North East Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt

Event description

The North East Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt has been created in our region by those bereaved by suicide. 120 individual fabric squares have been crafted, representing, and honouring loved ones who have died by suicide.

The ‘Speak Their Name’ movement originates in Greater Manchester where the first memorial quilt was made during the pandemic. The project has been led by Tracey Beadle of the charity Quinn’s Retreat and Suzanne Howes. Both have lost children to suicide and are determined to make a difference and bring hope, in their children’s names.

The creation of the quilt was embedded in the local community. Over 200 people attended workshops in Darlington, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Teesside. The quilt will tour the region, starting with venues in Tyne and Wear.

The vision is that this powerful artwork will take centre stage in our region. The quilt will tour public places, provoke thought, be a catalyst for conversations and raise awareness about suicide. It is both a suicide prevention and postvention initiative. Alongside this, the quilt will bring hope and healing to those who have lost loved ones.

The quilt project is managed under Quinn’s Retreat charity. The leads Tracey Beadle and Suzanne Howes can be contacted by email at northeastspeaktheirname@gmail.com

More information and details of the tour