The Carpenter’s Arms Graduation event 2023 took place on 29 June, at Nottingham Trent Vineyard Church.
It proved a wonderful opportunity to bring together former residents seeking to re-build their lives after drug and alcohol addiction.
We have supported no fewer than 2,000 men across the UK over our 15 years of operation. Our residential programme, which takes place at eight sites across Leicestershire, includes support sessions, group work, employability support and leisure activities, with the aim of helping residents find hope and a new start, live independently, and re-build relationships with their families and friends.
This year’s graduation ceremony brought together the charity’s residents and their families, along with high-profile supporters including the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Henrietta Chubb JP, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Rani Mahal, and the Mayor of Charnwood, Margaret Smidowicz.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Richard Spence, commented,
“When addiction takes hold, it can be an incredibly lonely and frightening time. Our centres offer a safe, supportive and positive space where men can take back control of their lives. There is certainly longevity in our success; one of our speakers spoke of his thirteen years of sobriety after his time at The Carpenter’s Arms. In fact, many of our staff and volunteers too are one-time residents who wish to play their part in the recovery of others.
“I’d like to thank all who attended and who work tirelessly to make such a difference to men living with addiction, when they most need it.”
Henrietta Chubb JP, The High Sheriff of Leicestershire, added,
“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.”
The event provided the opportunity to give thanks to the charity’s founder, Bryan Spence, who retires from directorship of the charity after 15 years of service, and who will continue in his role as chaplain. It also marks a new chapter for the charity as it prepares for growth and looks to extend its services to a new audience.
We’ve captured some of the highlights of the day in this short video:
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