Memorial quilt highlights suicide support

A PATCHWORK quilt created in memory of those lost to suicide is going on display in Tameside

Speak Their Name is a Greater Manchester suicide memorial quilt made of 54 unique squares, each one lovingly created by someone bereaved by suicide.

It will be on display at Ashton Library, not only in remembrance to everyone lost to suicide, but also to raise awareness of the impact of suicide and the benefits of peer support and creative activities.

Workshops, activities and information stands are running alongside the exhibition to highlight mental health, bereavement and peer support as well as other support services available in Tameside.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Public Health Cllr Tafheen Sharif said: “The quilt helps to highlight the human stories and personal impact of suicide. It’s powerful and poignant, and I hope it will help people to reflect on their own lives, loved ones and their mental health and wellbeing.

“I encourage people to come along to see the quilt but also think about getting involved in the drop in sessions that run alongside it and investigate the support available to them and their friends and families.”

The exhibition, organised by Tameside Council as part of the Greater Manchester ‘Shining a Light on Suicide’ campaign, runs from 4 to 15 November 2024.

The following free public drop in and activities will run alongside the exhibition:

4 November

10.30am-12.30pm

Mentell, HealthWatch and the Samaritans Tameside information drop-in

7 November

10am-12pm

Welfare Rights information drop-in

8 November

12.30-2.30pm

Anthony Seddon Fund and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide information drop-in

12 November

10.30am-12.30pm

Onward Homes Lads Against Depression and Suicide birdbox making activity

13 November

10.30am-12.30pm

Change Grow Live (CGL) information drop in highlight support for substance misuse

1p-3pm

Tameside Oldham and Glossop MIND drop in highlighting mental health support for young people

14 November

10am-12pm

Welfare Rights information drop in

15 November

12.30-2.30pm

Safe Tameside information drop in on mental health support

15 November

11am-7pm

Academy HQ, Stalybridge

Never Walk Alone bereavement event, focused around breaking the stigma that comes with talking to people who have lost someone and coming together to raise awareness and provide support. All welcome.