A Life Turned Around – Jamie’s Story
When Jamie first arrived at The Carpenter’s Arms, he had been living with addiction for over two decades. Today, after six months in our programme, Jamie is unrecognisable from the man who first walked through our doors.
“I started off at the age of 14 smoking cannabis. I then got into clubbing and started taking speed and ecstasy. I had a little break for about two years when I got engaged, but eventually that came to an end.
I was lonely and desperate, so I started doing harder drugs to block out the pain and take away the boredom. That carried on for 20 years. I then discovered crack cocaine, which led me to be addicted to both. It was unmanageable, and I felt like I was going nowhere. Life had hit rock bottom.
Then one day, my sister told me about The Carpenter’s Arms. I thought I’d give it a try, as I’d never tried to give up drugs before.
Since I’ve been at The Carpenter’s Arms, I have my family back. I have a new meaning of life and feel much more confident. I’ve put on weight and feel healthy. My mental health has improved dramatically. I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and I’m now able to manage the symptoms without using drugs.
In the future, I plan to go on holiday with my family, take up carp fishing, and keep going to church. Having been in the programme for six months, I’ll be returning to Leicester to live in a shared house and start my new life — which I’m very excited to do.
I thank everyone at The Carpenter’s Arms who have helped me through the programme and strongly recommend it to anyone who’s lost in addiction.”
We’re incredibly proud of everything Jamie has achieved and grateful for the chance to walk alongside on his journey to recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we’re here to help.
📞 Get in touch with us today to learn more about our programme.
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A safe and nurturing environment where individuals living with addiction can find unfailing support, care and guidance
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Overcome your drug and alcohol addiction through our three-step residential programme.
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When I left the Military, I had problems in my marriage and was a victim of domestic abuse. I totally lost it and turned to alcohol. The Carpenter’s Arms were willing to take me on and knowing they were signed up to The Armed Forces Covenant was a big thing for me. I have grown with the programme, and I have now got self-worth. I wake up every morning thankful. I’m blessed.
Brian, resident
As a magistrate, I see the devastation of addiction to a person’s life, as well as their family and friends, when they end up in the Court system. The Carpenter’s Arms offers an opportunity, strategies and support to face and overcome addiction, and turn people’s lives around. It offers people hope at their lowest ebb to gain self-confidence and self-worth which are invaluable gifts.
Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire
I got out of prison on the 14th of December 2017 and went straight to The Carpenter's Arms and felt the labels go. My first clean test in 24 years felt amazing. I had never seen my little girls through clean eyes. It was overwhelming! All the victories that were coming for me just for being in this place.
Garry, resident
I’ve known The Carpenter's Arms now for several years and it's great to see the way in which they have grown. What they've done in terms of supporting the defence community has been extraordinary. They show such great enthusiasm and such an ability to reach into people's lives.
Bruce Spencer, MoD Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands
Before my arrival at the Carpenter's Arms, I was lost in a very dark place, haunted by past memories, suppressed by the use of drink and drugs. A local Christian charity recommended The Carpenter's Arms and I was thrown another lifeline and my hope was restored. My spirit, body and soul have been renewed, and I have re-established family connections and built bridges I once burnt.
Bradley, resident
The Carpenter’s Arms is one of our alliance charities working in the area of addiction. We draw on their understanding of what's going on, and their work and solutions for people living with addiction. It helps support our policy and working forward to sustainable living and aspirations in life after addiction.
Steve Meadwell, Regional Manager (Midlands), Centre for Social Justice
I have been suffering from mental health for over 10 years and was addicted to crack, cocaine, cannabis, and steroids. My life was unmanageable. My life has changed completely and I’ve been able to see my son again. I was lost and broken and now I am blessed. I am now a House Dad in phase 3 and I’ve been put on the Pathways as a Support Worker.
Blake, resident
I'm the trustee of the Carpenter's Arms and, this year, I’m also the Mayor of Charnwood. I first met Brian and Judith when I was a Magistrate Chairman of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee. The most rewarding experience was when I finished sitting on the bench and watched the amazing successes at The Carpenter’s Arms in capacity as a trustee. To sit and listen to the clients tell their stories, what they have done and how they have come out the other side with new beginnings, I think for me is the most rewarding. The court couldn’t do it, but The Carpenter's Arms did.
Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, Mayor of Charnwood and trustee of The Carpenter’s Arms
After years of hard drug addiction and causing a lot of pain and suffering for myself and my loved ones, I walked through the doors of the Carpenter's Arms. In the space of a few weeks, I started to see and think more clearly and within months my life had changed drastically for the better. I can't thank the Carpenter's Arms enough for giving me a second chance at life.
Marcus, resident
I've been an alcoholic for 3 years. Whilst it has been a challenge at The Carpenter's Arms, I have been clean for 1 month, have more energy and motivation to do things. A routine has helped me a lot, as well as being able to be around people which has helped me speak more easily. I am excited to go back to work and see my family more.
Rob, resident
I was a broken man after 16 years addicted to heroin and crack, with no confidence or self-worth. Through coming to the Carpenter's Arms, I have been able to break free from my addiction, have learnt how to love myself, how to treat others and how to deal with everyday life without drugs. I am now happily married with 6 beautiful kids and have had a job for the last 6 years.
Scott, resident