Our residential programme
Supporting men to overcome addiction
What you can expect from joining the residential programme at The Carpenter’s Arms
Overcoming addiction will be a fight for many. It is a fight we wish we could do on your behalf. Whilst we can’t achieve it for you, we will stand by you through it.
Our team are ready to welcome you, appropriately challenge you, stand with you and guide you. You will be amongst those who are succeeding in recovery, people who know what it is like to be where you are and the determination it takes to overcome.
Our programme is broken down into three phases:
Phase 1: Stepping into recovery
Phase 1 offers support for those reducing or detoxing from addictive substances and settling into a routine. This can take two weeks to three months and is dependent upon the progress of the individual. Currently this phase is based at our two 12-bedded centres in Loughborough.
The weekly timetable is a mixture of group and one-to-one sessions and getting back into a routine.
Here we focus on getting used to living in community; eating together, meeting together and exploring recovery-based sessions together.
Phase 2: Life on life’s terms
Based at our 29-bedded Six Hills property (situated between Loughborough and Melton Mowbray), Phase 2 focuses on intensive group and one-to-one sessions, designed to challenge learned behaviour and mentality, whilst offering guidance and support through a client’s journey. The physical, emotional and spiritual change in our clients is incredible to witness.
Our group sessions follow a three-month syllabus, to be completed twice during a client’s time with us. These sessions focus on physical, emotional and mental health and the behaviours associated with these. Each session is designed to appropriately challenge issues that have resulted in addiction, or behaviours that were a product of addiction.
We also use a number of consultants in delivering some group sessions, including a relationship and infidelity therapist and a diet/fitness/mental health consultant who highlights the intrinsic relationship between these areas.
At this unit, we have an on-site gym with scheduled access for clients.
Phase 3: Recovery in action
Phase 3 is our optional move-on programme where the client will move into one of our staffed houses. During this time, clients practically apply elements taught on the programme whilst remaining accountable and encouraged to live independently.
During a client’s time in Phase 3, we continue with weekly one-to-one and group sessions, though most of the focus for the client will be using their time and experience in recovery to get back to life.
Success at The Carpenter’s Arms
We are very proud of our success stories
Phase 1
Numbers who successfully complete Phase 1.
Phase 2
Numbers who successfully complete Phase 2.
Full-time employment
Numbers in our move-on house who secure full-time employment.
Numbers correct as at June 2022.
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
Frequently asked questions about The Carpenter’s Arms programme
The cost of your place on our residential programme is met by a combination of your Housing benefit, any other benefits you are entitled to, along with other contributions and donations made to the charity.
Our residents are offered particular privileges not available in other residential addiction centres, e.g. being able to bring in their own mobile phone (which they can use out of programme hours during Phase 2).
We are a Christian charity, with Christian meetings every weekday. However the programme isn’t exclusively for Christians nor does a resident have to be a Christian to attend.
Yes, our facilities have been set up to cater for men.
We make provisions for our residents to leave the property, accompanied by a member of staff. The opportunity to go out unaccompanied is available at the end of the Phase 2 programme.
Take the first step towards recovery today.
Contact us for confidential support and guidance.
