Empowering Recovery: Luke Paskin’s Journey Through Phase 3
In Phase 3, residents have the opportunity to transition into one of The Carpenter’s Arms’ supported residences as part of our optional Move-On Programme. This stage marks a crucial step where residents actively implement the skills and knowledge acquired during the programme, helping them to become accountable, empowered and to embrace independent living. Throughout this phase, residents are supported in applying what they’ve learnt in practical ways, equipping them with the skills they need to return to their families and livelihoods.
Meet Luke Paskin, one of our residents currently navigating Phase 3. In a recent conversation, Luke opened up about his personal journey, shedding light on the impact that transitioning into Phase 3 has had on his recovery. His story not only serves as a testament to the effectiveness of our programme but also highlights the resilience and positive transformations that unfold when individuals like Luke embark on this pivotal phase of their recovery journey.
“I’ve undergone a significant transformation in my life through The Carpenter’s Arms. My story began with the loss of friends and family due to drug use—a struggle that escalated from early drinking at the age of 13/14 to trying cocaine at 16. The downward spiral continued, and by the age of 22, I found myself ruined, having lost everything to my addiction.
Starting at The Carpenter’s Arms had its tough moments. It wasn’t easy. There were times when I felt distant from others, struggling with trust, and feeling a bit lost. Navigating my medication was tricky too. But step by step, I made connections, built trust, and learned how to handle my meds better. With my keyworker and Phase 3 manager backing me up, I confronted the challenges and slowly started feeling a sense of freedom. Moving into Phase 3 brought a new kind of relief and hope.
My life has taken a positive turn in so many ways. I volunteer at The British Heart Foundation. I actively participate in church activities like helping with the preparations at a soup kitchen on Thursdays for the Beacon Christian Centre. And I’m determined to reach my second full year of clean living!”
Luke’s story illustrates how effective The Carpenter’s Arms programme is in guiding individuals toward a brighter and more fulfilling future, and in fostering lasting change.
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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