Supporting Staffs Mental Health
Local community groups recognised by the King, Black Friday deals for Alton Towers, spaces available on diabetes remission programme and Staffs schools funding boost
Good News 🎉 Want local business news? Visit Daily Focus
🥾 Staffs Group Wins MBE of Volunteering Awards. A community group that’s supported thousands has received the highest possible accolade to local voluntary organisations in the UK. Staffordshire Care Farming Development was awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) for its Wellies Project, which has boosted the confidence and skills of those with long-term mental health challenges through creative nature-based activities and its resident therapy dogs Spike and Fox.
Other groups recognised include Chase Arts for Public Spaces; Heart of Tamworth; Rugeley Rifle Club; Signposts Services; Stafford Street Pastors and Tamworth Street Angels. More information on the recipients and the award can be found here.
👩⚕️ Spaces Available on Diabetes Path to Remission Programme. Got type 2 diabetes? this NHS initiative will help you lose weight, improve your blood sugars, and reduce reliance on medication. The programme can be delivered in-person or digitally, and there’s more info here.
🚏Young People’s Opinions Sought on The Future of the County’s Transport. Staffordshire County Council is calling on residents aged 14-18 years to share their views on the future of the county’s transport network. An online map has been set up to get feedback to develop the new Local Transport Plan. Share your thoughts here.
🎢 Alton Towers Black Friday Deals. Kids can stay and swim free in 2025, with free child places on overnight stays, free child entry to the water park, buffet breakfast and 18 holes of Extraordinary Golf. Prices start from £35 per person per night from 24/01 to 13/03 including February half-term. Deal available from now until 02/12.
📚Staffs Schools Receive Funding for Childcare. In a bid to support working parents, Staffordshire County Council has awarded grants for before and after school childcare worth £282,000 to 17 schools. The first phase of a £2 million funding programme, schools can email the council arrange an informal discussion prior to applying. Closing date for applications is 31/12.
🧱 Stoke on Trent College Brick Lecturer Crowned Lecturer of the Year. Ace tutor alert! Robert Harrison was recently crowned Construction Apprenticeship Tutor/Lecturer of the Year at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards 2024 in Manchester. Find out more about the Construction Apprenticeship Awards here.
Weekly Weather (Stoke-on-Trent):
Mon ⛅️ 5°(-1°) Tue ☀️ 3°(-2°) Wed ☀️ 4° (-1°) Thu ⛅️ 4° (-1°) Fri ⛅️ 6°(-2°)
Sat ☁ 4°(-1°) Sun 🌧️ 6° (3°)
Sunrise 18/11 ☀️ 07:39 Sunset 18/11 🌅 16:08
Really Good News 🎉 Your favourite news from the last week
🥨 10 Reasons to be Proud You’re a Stokie: yes, oatcakes were in the mix and Robbie
💪 Bringing Pottery Back to the Potteries: you were keen to find out about new pottery brand Sipp of Stoke, which prioritises quality over quantity
🎤 The Knot Life: did you know you can list your events for free at The Knot Life? More and more readers are doing it - get yours on too!
Unsung Heroes ⬇️
🏃♀️ Dave Juggins. The 75 year old gold medal duathlete can run a 5km in 21 minutes.
👗 Anya Parker James. Read about the designer that built a fashion career here.
👨🎨 Ian Parker: Mouth painter Ian has illustrated a kid’s book and is a full-time artist.
🥨 Good Vibes Only: A Word from Helen, Writer at The Knot
Here at The Knot, we like to shine a light on all the positive things happening in our community, but we recognise that life can be tough sometimes. Post-pandemic, many of us have been struggling with our mental health, and the annual report by the city's Director of Public Health highlights that it’s now one of the biggest challenges that Stoke is facing. To give your wellbeing a boost, the report recommends following the NHS’ Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing: connecting with other people; physical activity; learning new skills; giving to others; and mindfulness.
Thankfully, we have some great community initiatives that you can reach out to if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, and our main good news story today highlights just a few of them. From the Samaritans and North Staffs Mind to Changes and Walk Talk Action, there are plenty of organisations out there making a difference in Stoke and Staffs. If things feel difficult right now, we’re sending you a big hug and hope you can get the help you deserve 🤗 😘 🥰