Memorial Quilt to be displayed on the Island

Published: 26 November 2024

A group of people stand in between a set of colourful memorial quilts

A Memorial Quilt to raise awareness of people with living experience of suicide and bereavement arrived on the Island yesterday (25/11/24). 

The Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt will be on display at Aspire in Ryde for two weeks from Monday 25 November to 6 December 2024 and will then return to The Minister in Newport between 6 January and 24 January 2025. 

The Quilt is made up of squares, each of which has been created by somebody affected by suicide across the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth. The project has been organised by Beeb Deacon and Lara Kynvin, who have both been impacted by suicide and are members of Voices, a group of people who all have living experience of suicide.   Lara and Beeb invited people to sew, draw, paint or print something that was meaningful or captured the essence of the person. They have been supported in financing and administration of the project by the charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Creatful CIC.

Councillor Debbie Andre, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health says: “This Quilt is an important reminder about the importance of mental health. Suicide has a profound effect on family, friends and the local community and each death is a tragedy.”

“We continue to work with the community on the Island to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing, with an approach that sees statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and others working together to prevent suicide.”

“This begins with a conversation around mental health and knowing that help is available, including for people affected by suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out. You are not alone’.”

Councillor Michael Lilley, Isle of Wight Council’s Mental Health Champion says: “There are families in Ryde who are grieving over the unexpected loss of their loved ones in the past year and now. Their grief is traumatic and painful.”

“It is important for us to reach out to them and make sure they get the help and support they need such as the bereavement service at Mountbatten Hospice and specialist bereavement due to suicide support offered by Amparo.”

“Support in Ryde is also available at Aspire and Men Only. The Quilt is a good way to demonstrate we share their loss and make sure their loved one’s death leads to others being prevented from dying in the future.”

Contacts if you or someone you know needs support

If someone is at immediate risk of harm call NHS Emergency 999

Support if it is not an emergency

  • NHS Advice and Guidance 111
  • Samaritans website
  • call the Samaritans 116 123
  • text SHOUT to 85258 - a free text messaging service which provides 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis
  • Amparo provide support for those bereaved by suicide
  • call Amparo 0330 089 9255
  • Papyrus UK provide help and hope for young people with thoughts of suicide

Local support

Safe Haven - 7 High Street, Newport PO30 1SS Monday to Friday, 5pm until 10pm; weekends and bank holidays, 12 noon until 10pm.

Support if you are under 18 years

Space 4U