Loughborough Rehabilitation Center Introduces New Gym to Support Addiction Recovery

An all-weather gymnasium has been established to support men in their fight against addiction by enhancing their mental and physical well-being. The Carpenters Arms, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center located in Loughborough, inaugurated this facility within its garden, following equipment donations from various local organizations. Richard Spence, the CEO of the Leicestershire-based center, stated that individuals arriving at the recovery center on Wharncliffe Road are “physically and emotionally broken.” He further explained that “They need the opportunity to exercise, not only to improve their physical health but also to bring purpose to their day.” The structure was officially inaugurated on 22 November, having been developed with assistance from the Screwfix Foundation. Mr. Spence noted that the facility offers service users “access to low intensity exercise equipment which is best suited to their early stages of recovery when muscles are weak and energy levels low.” Simon Cross, a 39-year-old from Gloucester, has resided at the Carpenter’s Arms for a period of 10 weeks. He shared, “I’ve been in and out of prison since I was 14. It’s a revolving door. I get out of jail, I start taking drugs again, I commit crime, I get arrested and go back to prison. That’s been my life for 26 years.” Mr. Cross recounted that his father, who died last year, urged him to reform his life while on his deathbed. He added, “I promised him and I guess that’s what I’m trying to do now.” Mr. Cross described the center’s new gym facility as “great.” He commented, “When people say it’s good for your mental health, I’ve heard all that before and I just said ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ and I’ve never done it. But for the last eight weeks, I go out every day bar Sunday. I’ve been doing it consistently and the effects are massive.” In response to a question about his aspirations for December 2025, Mr. Cross stated: “The only thing I really want, I just want to be happy and I don’t really know what that looks like if I’m honest. I just want be content.” Individuals utilizing the center’s services can reside at the rehabilitation facility for durations ranging from two weeks to several months. Steven Roberts, a 41-year-old from Nottingham, joined the Carpenter’s Arms 17 months prior. He remarked, “If I’m being honest, it’s changed my life. I came here a broken person. I was away. I was in prison again. I lost my mum, my head was not in a good place. I realised I needed help. I spoke to probation. I got here. It’s not been an easy journey. But it’s been a good, life-changing journey.” Mr. Roberts mentioned that he had been jogging for over three weeks and was experiencing a noticeable improvement. He commented, “My head’s clearer. It helps with your mental health and it makes you feel better. It helps to get fit, focus on something and helps a lot of people’s mental health.” For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.