Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham lead the way in transforming outdoor space at The Carpenter’s Arms
Generous donations of time, equipment and muscle were in abundance when Hilton East Midlands Airport, Hilton Nottingham and local legal firm Johnson Astills lent their support to the renovation of outdoor space at The Carpenter’s Arms.
Our Phase 1 ‘Stepping into Recovery’ centre at Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough is where men start their substance and alcohol recovery journeys. Spending time outdoors is an important part of that recovery process. Whilst the site benefitted from a new outdoor gym last year – courtesy of funding from the Screwfix Foundation – the surrounding decking and pathway have become tired, uneven and uninviting.
The team at Hilton were instrumental in the charity’s renovation plans for the site, offering expert advice on concreting the path to the garden and around the hot tub area, adding a weed membrane underneath and edging to the grass. They also brought with them the equipment to prep for the concrete and the timber for the shuttering, along with the paint and brushes for the decking.
Manni Chumber, Associate Solicitor, and Jenny Jackson, Paralegal, from Johnson Astills also lent their support on the day, helping with tending the garden – all part of the legal firm’s commitment to volunteering at the charity over the course of the next year.
Richard Spence, CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms said:
“What the teams from Hilton East Midlands Airport, Hilton Nottingham and Johnson Astills have delivered is more than just a garden makeover – it’s created a much more appealing outdoor space for residents, staff and volunteers alike. Men arrive here physically and emotionally broken, with their muscles weak and their spirits and energy levels low. Time in the fresh air – in a now peaceful and beautiful setting – really will make all the difference to their recovery.”
Alistair Webster, Maintenance Manager of Hilton East Midlands Airport, who represented the hotel team on the day, together with his colleagues Gregory, Aaron and Gopikrishna, added:
“At Hilton, our ‘Travel with Purpose’ strategy is all about making a meaningful difference in the communities we’re part of. Last year, our maintenance team had the chance to support The Carpenter’s Arms Malone Meadows project at their Six Hills site, helping to put up the first fencing panels for their new chickens. It was such a rewarding experience that when the opportunity came around again this year, we didn’t hesitate – we know how much it means to the residents, and we’re proud to lend a hand.”
A reel of the day is available here: https://youtube.com/shorts/cYr2ZSFq0MA?feature=share
Take the first step towards recovery today.
Contact us for confidential support and guidance.
Building a foundation for a brighter future
A safe and nurturing environment where individuals living with addiction can find unfailing support, care and guidance
The programme
Overcome your drug and alcohol addiction through our three-step residential programme.
Read more
How to apply
The first step is always the hardest. Let’s show you what it takes to recover from addiction.
Read more
Support us
Join us in making a difference to the lives of men and families blighted by addiction.
Read more
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