Clothes Shop at Wharncliffe – Transforming Lives One Outfit at a Time
At The Carpenter’s Arms, we believe that dignity and self-respect are integral to recovery. For many of the men joining our programme, having appropriate, well-fitting clothing is more than just a necessity—it’s a step toward rebuilding their confidence and sense of self-worth.
Our Clothes Shop at Wharncliffe is a vital resource for residents as they transition into a new chapter of their lives. Currently, it functions as a space for donated clothes, but we aim to transform it into a welcoming, organised shop experience. With your support, we can achieve this vision and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the men we serve.
What Is the Clothes Shop Project?
When men first arrive at The Carpenter’s Arms, many have few possessions to their name, including clothes. The clothes shop provides them with clean, appropriate clothing upon arrival and throughout their time in the programme.
Residents’ bodies often change during the programme as they work on rebuilding their health. This initiative ensures they can exchange clothes for different sizes as needed.
The new and improved clothes shop will feature:
- Clothes organised by size and type, displayed on hangers for easy selection.
- Opportunities to teach residents valuable life skills, such as how to launder, iron, and care for their clothing.
How Your Support Will Help
With your generosity, we can achieve the following outcomes:
- Dignity and Confidence: A properly organised shop will create a positive experience for residents, helping them feel valued and respected.
- Life Skills Development: Teaching men to care for their clothing will equip them with practical skills for independent living.
- Improved Health and Well-being: Residents will have access to clothing that fits properly as their bodies change, promoting physical and mental comfort.
Our Wishlist
To bring this vision to life, we need your help! Below is our current wish list of items:
- Clothes rails – wall fixed or free standing
- Clothes hangers (different colours for various sizes, suitable for both t-shirts and trousers)
- Clothes basket (2)
- Pegs (pack of 100)
- Peg bag
- Smalls drying airer (2)
- Retractable washing line (4)
- Washing airer
- Clothes horse (2)
- Iron
- Ironing board & cover
- Men’s clothing: socks, t-shirts, shirts, jeans, trousers, shorts, jumpers, hoodies, pj’s, loungewear, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, shoes, trainers or slippers.
We have also created an Amazon Wishlist to make it even easier for you to support this project. Items purchased from the list will be sent directly to us, ensuring your contribution has an immediate impact.
📍 If you’d like to drop off or send items directly to us, please use the following address:
The Carpenter’s Arms,
Wharncliffe Road,
Loughborough,
Leicestershire,
LE11 1SL
If you are able to help in any way, please contact Richard Spence, Chief Executive Officer at The Carpenter’s Arms, T: 01509 550246 or drop us an email via the form on our Contact page.
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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