Tragedy as North Staffordshire dad, 44, found dead at home
A mechanic was found dead at home after not turning up for work. Dad-of-three Matthew Lowe - who was known as Matt - had not been to work for three days and his brother and a friend visited multiple garages where he had worked on an ad-hoc basis.But no-one had seen the 44-year-old and he was found dead at his home on Kent Grove, in Stone, last July. An inquest has this week concluded as suicide.Stafford Coroner’s Court heard how Matt had suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts following the breakdown of a complicated relationship. He had sought help from numerous mental health services throughout Staffordshire, including the NHS and Andy’s Man Club.Coroner Daniel Howe said: “Matt was suffering with domestic-related issues and mental health problems that came from that. He went to his GP and was prescribed mirtazapine and referred himself to Talking Therapies in June 2025. He told them of his thoughts to harm himself, but at that time had no specific plans or intent to do so. He reported low mood and suicidal thoughts and told them he had a rope and suicidal thoughts when going past a specific bridge on his way to work.“Due to the severity of his issues and his risk, he was deemed as someone who needed urgent support and he was referred to the Mental Health Social Inclusion Hub. He spoke to them on the following day, that being June 25 last year, and described suicidal ideation but said he had no plans to carry out those thoughts.“Matt was referred to the crisis team but felt sufficient support and protective factors were in place and a routine referral was made to the Integrated Mental Health Team. No further contact to the Integrated Mental Health Team was made, although there was an appointment at his GP when he discussed his medication with the nurse and said that it had been helping, although she said he sounded stressed.“Matt was discharged from the Talking Therapies service due to the referral to the Integrated Mental Health Team, and a letter was found ripped up in his house. We cannot know whether a referral to the crisis team could have led to a different outcome because mental health fluctuates, which is why it can be so difficult to treat.“A point has been made regarding the number of teams under the mental health services umbrella and that a person is simply being referred on. It is a point I hadn't considered before today, but a point well made. People should know that someone has that person’s back and help will be made. The short-form conclusion is suicide.”Need help?The Samaritans : 116 123. Website: www.samaritans.org . Email: jo@samaritans.orgOffer a 24-hour confidential helpline. You can also contact them by text or email.NHS 111 Service : 111. Website: www.nhs.uk .Call the NHS 111 service if you urgently require medical help or advice. The service is availabe 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.Mental Health Access Team : 0300 123 0907The single point of contact and access for all North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust services. The Access Team provides 24/7 cover for all mental health and learning disability services across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.Mind Infoline : 0300 123 3393. Website: www.mind.org.uk . Email: info@mind.org.uk. Text: 86463Information on a range of mental health problems and support. Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).HOPELineUK : 0800 068 41 41A specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals at PAPYRUS who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers, young adults aged up to 35 and anyone concerned about a young person. Opening hours are 10am to 10pm, Mondays to Fridays, 2pm to 5pm, weekends and bank holidays.NSPCC Childline : 0800 1111. Website: www.childline.org.ukChildren’s charity offering support and carrying out research into mental illness.SANE : 0845 767 8000. Website: www.sane.org.uk . Email: sanemail@sane.org.ukOut-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. Open every day from 6pm to 11pm.Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline : 0808 800 2234. Email: staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk. Text: 07860 022821Emotional support for people concerned about their mental health or someone they know.
