High Sheriff receives warm welcome at The Carpenter’s Arms addiction recovery centre

The newly appointed High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Mr John Chatfeild-Roberts, received the warmest of welcomes when he visited The Carpenter’s Arms addiction recovery centre at Six Hills this week. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the charity’s vital work in supporting men challenged by issues with drugs, alcohol and other forms of addiction.

Richard Spence, Chief Executive Officer and Judith Spence, Executive Director at The Carpenter’s Arms took the opportunity to share the charity’s story of how it has grown from one residential centre with four members of staff in 2009 to today’s eight residential centres with an army of 48 staff members and volunteers. The visit also involved a tour of the centre, enabling the High Sheriff and his Chaplain the Reverend Simon Shouler, to witness first-hand the charity’s efforts in building back from its recent fire.

The High Sheriff said, “Simon Shouler and I were hugely impressed by what we saw at The Carpenter’s Arms. We could see the team is doing a great job, helping those at the centre in what is a demanding role requiring expertise, commitment and emotional intelligence. The fire was a shock, but I have no doubt the charity will bounce back stronger than ever. An uplifting experience to witness this all at first hand.”

Richard Spence, Chief Executive Officer of The Carpenter’s Arms, added,

“To receive a visit from the High Sheriff at any point is undoubtedly an honour but particularly now as the charity continues to recover from the damage caused by the fire. We gave a full tour of life at The Carpenter’s, from what takes place in our group sessions to the challenge of our temporary mobile kitchen providing three hot meals each day to some 29 residents and six staff.

“Meeting the High Sheriff was a real boost to our residents at Six Hills and we’d like to offer him and Reverend Simon Shouler our sincere thanks in giving their time so generously.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about The Carpenter’s Arms fire disaster appeal can do so 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.