These images show quilt squares made by people who have lost loved ones to suicide. The squares were created for the Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt project for the North East (North East Speak Their Name Quilt/Banner), and they will be included alongside squares from people in Teesside, Durham and Newcastle.
The project was set up by Tracey Beadle (of the charity Quinn’s Retreat), and Suzanne Howes, who is a member of the Keeping On suicide support group here at Sunderland Mind*. Both have lost children to suicide and are determined to make a difference, and bring hope, in their children’s names.
Others in the Keeping On group were keen to take part, so a workshop was held here in May 2023 to provide ideas, resources and support, with these final squares being completed in the following months. Each quilt square is very personal to the loved ones who took their own lives, with colours, images, words and even quilting methods being selected to represent a characteristic or fond memory.
Everyone involved gave information about who they were representing in their artwork, including a brief explanation of their creation. These can be seen along with all the original work in the final product. The North East quilt will be pieced together prior to a launch in Newcastle on 11th November 2023, with a tour of the region to follow. It is hoped this will provoke thought and conversation, and raise awareness about suicide, as well as honouring these precious loved ones who have been lost.
*The Keeping On group supports those who have lost someone to suicide, and meets monthly at the Sunderland Mind hub. Please contact keepingon@sunderlandmind.co.uk or phone 07984595542