Yorkshire Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt

The quilt began its creation in 2022. by Anna Scott and Karen Sykes who are both bereaved by suicide are behind the project. It is a memorial made up of squares submitted by people with a connection to Yorkshire bereaved by suicide. Each square represents a lost loved one and many show a tiny glimpse into the life of the person lost. The quilt is a powerful tool for starting life saving conversations about suicide. These conversations help to wash away the stigma associated with suicide. The Yorkshire Speak Their Name Quilt is an ongoing project and as squares come in another panel is made.

Anyone bereaved by suicide can create a memorial square on fabric by embroidery, stitching, painting, or any other artistic route.  With all the squares sewn together into a quilt, a beautiful memorial is created. The idea has resonated with countless families, friends and colleagues who have lost someone to suicide; through joining a quilt group they became part of a community that supports each other. This may be from knowing that their square is part of a quilt alongside others, or from physically getting together and coming to know others who have suffered the same. They also know that the quilt is a powerful campaign tool for suicide prevention and are proud to have it displayed all over the country.

There are now suicide memorial quilts across many counties of the UK, with more being created and added to all the time. The groups can be found on www.speaktheirname.co.uk If you would like to submit a square please contact us for the guidelines.