Abacus Flooring Solutions gives early boost to The Carpenter’s Arms Christmas Appeal

The Carpenter’s Arms Christmas Appeal to fight addiction has been given an early boost thanks to local business supporter Abacus Flooring Solutions.

We recently launched our Christmas appeal with the aim of ensuring that no resident, all of whom are fighting to overcome drug or alcohol addiction, is left without a gift on Christmas Day. Abacus Flooring Solutions, a specialist in resin flooring installation based in Coalville, was quick to answer that appeal, with founder and managing director Nick Megson, together with wife Amanda, hand-delivering gift bags for the charity’s 53 Phase 1 and Phase 2 recovery centre residents. The generously-spirited pair have decided to continue to support the charity wherever they can, and have since donated £1,000.

Christmas is an emotive time for the charity’s residents who are often away from their families and, in many instances, experiencing their first sober Christmas in many years.

Richard Spence, chief executive officer of The Carpenter’s Arms, said,

“What Nick’s contribution offers is more than something to open on Christmas Day. It’s showing these men that there is a wider community who support them in turning their lives around and bringing families back together. We are all incredibly grateful for his generosity.”

Nick Megson, managing director and founder of Abacus Flooring Solutions, added,

“It was a chance meeting with the charity’s support worker Ian Edwards at the recent East Midlands Chamber’s Leicestershire Business Awards ceremony that first introduced me to The Carpenter’s Arms.

“It’s really important to me and my wife Amanda, who supports me in running Abacus Flooring Solutions, that we give back to the local community. We already support six local charities including Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, but when I heard about the difference The Carpenter’s Arms is making, we couldn’t not get involved.

“I would urge other businesses, if possible, to give locally as these trusts make the difference to so many lives.”

For other businesses seeking to donate to The Carpenter’s Arms Christmas Appeal, there is still time.

Donations are gratefully received at the charity’s Loughborough centre on Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SL.

The charity’s Christmas appeal video can be accessed here:

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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