The People Behind the Work: A Conversation with Rob

For our latest spotlight, we’re continuing our series of interviews that shine a light on the people working behind the scenes at The Carpenter’s Arms. These conversations give insight into the day-to-day work that helps keep our charity running smoothly and supports the recovery journey of the people we work with.

We spoke with Rob Fairlamb, one of our brilliant Support staff, about what drew him to the role, how he supports men in Phases 1 & 3, and through their transition into Phase 2, and how his own journey through the programme informs the support he gives today.

What made you want to work at The Carpenter’s Arms?

On 14th February 2023, I started my journey with The Carpenter’s Arms underweight, angry at the world, and lost. I was shown kindness and given food, shelter, and love. That has stayed with me ever since – I’m a big believer in family. I made my way through the programme, learning, talking about my feelings and emotions, changing, and growing. I remember that experience and how it saved my life, and I want to help other people experience the change that recovery brings. This is who I am. This is my family.

Can you tell us a bit about your role and what working looks like day-to-day?

I’m currently a Phase 1 and Phase 3 keyworker. This means I support and help clients in both phases with sorting debts, filling out forms, understanding themselves, talking through difficulties, setting up bank accounts and ID, and moving forward onto the next steps. In Phase 1, we have 24 clients, and I have a further 4 in Phase 3, so 28 in total, which keeps my week busy. Although it’s busy, I make time for everyone, as it’s important that people feel safe.

What are some of the main challenges residents face when they first come into Phase 1?

Often, when a client comes into Phase 1, they don’t know what to expect. They usually already have their barriers up, so a main challenge is dismantling those barriers so we can work together to rebuild their future. A lot of clients come into the programme in debt and feeling stressed due to pressure from family and past priorities. Helping them to focus on one thing at a time is one of the biggest challenges.

How does your role support residents during this early stage of their recovery?

My role supports clients by helping them to see that change is possible. I understand how important it is, especially early on in recovery, to be surrounded by people who lead by example. We need to relate to clients, otherwise they can feel alone, even when they’re surrounded by people – which is a very difficult place to be.

How do you help prepare residents to move from Phase 1 into Phase 2?

The move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 may seem small, but it can feel very daunting for a client. They’re leaving behind 11 people they’ve often cried with, laughed with, and supported, even in a short space of time. Then they move into a building four times the size, with 28 other clients they don’t know, which can feel overwhelming. I support clients by going through the timetable with them, explaining who their next keyworker will be, and letting them know they’ll have a buddy to show them around. I also reassure them that staff are always available if they need someone to talk to. It’s important that clients know we’re here for them.

What changes do you tend to see in residents as they begin to move towards Phase 2?

When a client is moving towards Phase 2, you start to see small changes. One of the most common questions I get is, ‘When do you think I’ll be moving to Phase 2?’ – I hear it a few times a day. Clients often become either nervous or excited about the change.

What has surprised you most about working at this stage of the programme?

What has surprised me most is a difficult question, because not a lot surprises me anymore. I’ve been working in Phase 1 since I started giving back, and I’ve been around it for a long time. If I think back to when I first started, what surprised me was seeing clients who didn’t want to change. It upset me more than it surprised me, but it taught me an important lesson – that we can’t give up on people.

What’s been the most rewarding part of working with residents?

For me, the most rewarding part of working in Phase 1 is seeing people who feel lost and broken begin to come back to life. Being part of a client’s journey is huge. I have former clients I’ve key worked, from all over the country, who still message me to say how well they’re doing. That feeling – knowing that the lost, broken person I once was, has now helped someone else do the right thing – means everything to me.