New 24/7 Mental Health Support Text Services Launched Across Staffs & Stoke
Plus transformation is afoot in Longton and Newcastle, LoveNUL Business Awards winners announced, and Staffs Wildlife Trust make conservation history…
This month, we are supported by Steel Door Company, luxury steel doors to transform your home 🚪 🏠 🔨
Good News 🎉
💬 Text for Help. Waiting for a counselling appointment when you need help right now can be frustrating. Anyone across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can access 24/7 mental health support by text with the launch of two new free text services delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT). For North Staffs and Stoke-on-Trent, it’s 07312 263117. For South Staffs, text 07507 330605. If needed, text responders can help you connect with local services like NHS 111, crisis teams, or other local mental health support.
🏺THE KNOT’S PERSON OF THE WEEK – Lorna Bailey 🏺
Internationally renowned ceramicist Lorna Bailey, who is originally from Wolstanton, has created a one-of-a kind vase to commemorate the centenary, and is set to consign the piece to Potteries Auctions after being named one of the city’s top 100 most influential figures. The auction is being held on 07-08/11 with a 10am start, and you can view this marvellous creation on 05/11 and 06/11 from 9am-3:30pm at the auction house.
🧱 Longton’s Barclays Building set for Transformation. Community arts organisation Urban Wilderness CIC, the folks who organise the annual pig walk, has taken on a lease for the vacant Barclays building situated on The Strand in Longton. The group is now looking for help to make it a centre for arts and engagement for the local community. Get in touch with them here if interested.
🎓 Keele and Community. Keele University has been recognised as one of the strongest performing universities in England for regional impact by the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) published by Research England for contributing to local regeneration. This year, it’s forged a new partnership with leading environmental consultancy RSK Group, while Michelin moved its UK head office to Keele’s Science and Innovation Park. Let’s not forget the new Piccoloco inside Keele in Town, either, which opened last month.
🏗️ Newcastle Revamp Begins in Earnest. Work is ready to start on a multi-million pound regeneration project bringing homes, shops and businesses to Newcastle town centre. With the final scheduled block of funding in place, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s plan to change the town centre by regenerating the Ryecroft, Astley Place and the Midway is now poised to begin.
👔 Celebrating Local Businesses. The LoveNUL Business Awards 2025 toasted the very best of local enterprise last Friday. So, who won? Independent Business of the Year Award – Divinity Studio; Hospitality Business of the Year Award – The Little Vic; Professional Services Award – Specsavers; Market/Trader of the Year Award – Independent Street; Customer Service Award Award – The Hair House; Visitor Attraction of the Year Award – Brampton Museum; Community Project of the Year Award – Peter Pan Centre; New Business of the Year Award – Hurricane Gaming; Spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme Business – Piccoloco; Spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme Person – Janet Lowe from McDonald’s and Lifetime Achievement Award – Shaws Chippy. Well done to all!
🐸 Staffs Wildlife Trust Makes Conservation History. It’s become the first Wildlife Trust in the UK to use a Conservation Covenant, a new legal tool that secures long-term protection of land for nature. The first site, at Chillington Hall, has turned 79 acres of former turf fields into vibrant wildlife habitat, supporting pollinators, birds, and small mammals. The move helps meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules, which require developers to leave nature better than they found it. Visit Biodiversity Net Gain & Nature Recovery Map - Staffordshire for more info.
🥨 Hello! A word from Helen, editor/writer at The Knot
Looking back, I can see now that my Grandad was probably depressed long before we ever used that word. This was the 1980s, and back then we’d just describe him as “a grumpy old sod” (sorry, Grandad). I realise now how insensitive that was, and that what he really needed was a little more understanding from us.
These days, terms like depression and anxiety are much better understood, and we’re more aware of our mental health than ever before. But as more of us reach out for help, particularly in the wake of Covid, this has placed increasing pressure on mental health services across Staffordshire. Anyone who’s tried to get a counselling appointment recently will know how stretched the system can be.
That’s why it’s encouraging to see Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust launch some free text support services for Staffs residents, meaning you can message for mental health support anytime, anywhere. Texting is a discreet option for those who feel anxious about talking on the phone or need help in a public or private setting without drawing attention. The service also aims to reduce inequalities in access to mental health care.
When I experienced postnatal depression after the birth of my first son (that’s us below), I was constantly overwhelmed and felt like my life was unravelling. Counselling and antidepressants were a lifeline for me, and I hope this new service offers others the same opportunity for support — and the help we all deserve.
Really Good News 🎉 Your favourite news from the last week
👩💻 Product Design Centre Launches: Many Knotters clicked on this story about the new Stoke and Staffordshire Institute of Design & Technology
🧨 Plan Your Fireworks and Bonfire Night: the most popular event we posted was Stoke Park Bonfire Night & Fireworks (02/11). Which one are you headed to?
👩💼 Help for Jobs: The county council’s plan to get Staffordshire working, part of the national Get Britain Working programme, was another popular story…
The Knot on Socials: Rach went along to Blossom’s Crafts in Stafford recently for some crafty fun. Find out what’s on offer by watching the reel below…
Weekly Weather (Stoke-on-Trent):
Mon ☁️ 16° (10°) Tue ☁️ 16° (8°) Wed 🌧️ 14° (6°) Thu ☁️ 13° (5°) Fri ⛅️ 14° (6°)
Sat ⛅️ 13° (9°) Sun ⛅️ 14° (10°).
Sunrise 13/10 ☀️07:31 Sunset 13/10 🌅 18:18