How The Carpenter’s Arms supports Veterans and The Armed Forces

In 2019, our journey with the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans began. Our Director, Judith Spence, inspired by her family’s deep military roots, envisioned integrating UK Military Veterans into The Carpenter’s Arms. By utilising our facilities, we aimed to provide a supportive environment to aid their recovery and help them reclaim their lives.

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant was a great honour for us, solidifying our commitment to providing equal opportunities for Armed Forces veterans, Reserves, and their families. This pledge propelled us to attain the prestigious Silver Award in 2022 and the Bronze Award in 2021 within the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme. These achievements have only deepened our involvement and sparked more intrigue into how we can further facilitate and open doors of opportunities for Veterans.

When The Carpenter’s Arms embraced the values of The Armed Forces Covenant, our CEO, Richard Spence, decided that we would champion a sponsored yearly space dedicated to a Veteran on our programme. This inspiring decision opened the door for us to collaborate with Veterans Launchpad, a remarkable organisation. It didn’t take long for us to witness the positive impact of our partnership. Within days, a deserving Veteran found his way onto our programme, setting forth a journey of recovery.

In a recent conversation, we had the privilege of delving into Judith’s perspective and active engagement in championing support for Veterans through our charity.

During our recent Graduation event, we had the honour of speaking to Bruce Spencer, Regional Employer Engagement Director for East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Ministry of Defence, and Sam Jackson, the Manager of Speke House for Veterans Launchpad.

Our ongoing aim is to expand the number of bed spaces for sponsored Veterans. If you share our vision of creating a thriving community, a place where recovery and potential for our Veterans flourish, we invite you to support us by sponsoring or donating.

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Join us in making a difference to the lives of men and families blighted by addiction.

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.