A Blackburn with Darwen support group is inviting people affected by suicide to get in touch.

‘Speak their Name’ was set up in June 2023 and meet fortnightly at the Café Impresso. Sessions are informal with a free brew and a space to meet others who have been bereaved by suicide. 

The group have been producing a square dedicated to those they have lost which can be added to a Blackburn with Darwen Memorial quilt.

There is support of a trained counsellor on site as well as a group facilitator to support with any quilting techniques or support getting ideas on to the squares. 

In September 2024 the first squares were joined to form the start of the Blackburn with Darwen quilt, since then more squares have been completed and others recently started that will be added to this growing memorial to those lost to suicide.

The inspiration for the group was the success of the Greater Manchester Speak Their Name and Yorkshire Speak Their Name quilts who used started these sessions by exploring ways to manage the grief of losing a loved one to suicide.

They also sought support through connection to similarly bereaved families, the idea of a ‘suicide memorial quilt’ emerged from these initial sessions and the Speak Their Name movement was born.

A group spokesperson said: “Anyone bereaved by suicide can create a memorial square on fabric by embroidery, stitching, painting, or any other artistic route. Each unique square is dedicated to their loved one.

"With all the squares sewn together into a quilt, a beautiful memorial is created. 

“The idea resonated with countless families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one to suicide; through joining a quilt group they become part of a community that supports each other. 

"Some find comfort in knowing that their square is part of a quilt alongside others, or find benefit from physically getting together and meeting others who have lost someone to suicide.”

The Blackburn with Darwen Speak Their Name Group meet fortnightly at Café Impresso Wednesdays 6.30pm-8.30pm.

If you would like to know more please contact Carole on 07716 017177. (Please send a text and she will call you back as soon as she can).