Speak Their Name

In Blackburn with Darwen, we have been working on our Speak Their Name quilt since 2023 bringing together family and friends bereaved by suicide, to remember their loved ones and provide an opportunity for mutual support through the creation of a memorial quilt.

The group offers the opportunity to create a memorial square that shares a little about the loved ones it represents. Speak Their Name nationally recognise that members have wanted to find a way that remembers their loved on that isn’t defined by their death being by suicide and can offer opportunities to share stories and characteristics that made loved ones unique.

The wider Speak Their Name community is built on lived experience. In addition to the physical group sessions there is opportunity to access support online with a community of people that understand a little of what it is like to be thrown into complex grief where emotions and “what ifs” can resonate profoundly and painfully when bereaved by suicide leaving people feeling lonely.

The in person sessions offer a confidential, safe space to meet others who have lost loved ones to suicide and to provide opportunity to talk and create a memorial square during sessions there is access to a qualified counsellor for additional support if needed while sessions are informal and welcoming.

The design of the quilt will be made up of individual squares, each dedicated to loved ones. The creation of the quilt brings connection, understanding and mutual support in a safe and accepting place.

Speak Their Name is held fortnightly with sessions moving around the borough every few months to ensure they are easy to access. If you have been bereaved by suicide and would like to know more about sessions, please call or text Carole on 07716 017177 (if Carole cannot answer please leave a message or send a text and she will call you back)

Please note, 16-18-year-olds can attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If you require mental health support, including suicide prevention, Get help now – Be Well BWD