Mind in Somerset are delighted to announce a new project; the Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt led by the Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service
The Speak Their Name Movement originated in Greater Manchester in 2020 during lockdown. Followed by Yorkshire and the Northeast and more recently Hampshire and the Isle of Wright. There are now eight quilts across the country as well as an online version, which can be viewed at www.speaktheirname.co.uk.
Anyone bereaved by suicide is invited to take part, it does not need to have been a close family member, it may have been a friend or colleague who you have lost to suicide.
Each completed panel will be made up of 36 unique squares each created by someone bereaved by suicide and dedicated to their loved one. As with the other projects, Mind in Somerset want this to be an ongoing and powerful artwork which will be displayed across the area, to provoke conversations, provide support and raise awareness about suicide loss and the profound effect it has on so many.
Mind in Somerset believe that coming together as a community creatively is core to wellbeing when navigating such a tragic loss.
They would be delighted for people to come along to help them create this lasting memorial to our loved ones. No experience is required, help and support will be available. We hope to hold some workshops across the county in the coming months.
You could use embroidery, applique, a collage of fabric, fabric paint, buttons, ribbons or include some of your loved one’s clothes. The ideas are endless.
Mind in Somerset’s aim is to have one completed panel in time for The Walk for a Life gathering in Taunton in September 2025 for World Suicide Prevention Day. If this can be achieved, the quilt is likely to join all the others from around the country in Westminster in October 2025.
They are organising the first community quilt workshop on Saturday, 15th March in Shepton Mallet. Please get in touch to join them.
If you feel you would like to take part and would like some more information, please contact Shelagh at speaktheirname@mindinsomerset.org.uk.