Cornwall’s Quilt of Remembrance Moves Hearts at Parliament

A moving tribute from Cornwall has been on display in the Upper Halls of the Houses of Parliament this week, as part of a national exhibition bringing together memorial quilts created in remembrance of loved ones lost to suicide.

Cornwall’s Quilt Joins National Display

The Cornwall Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt was unveiled and blessed at Truro Cathedral on 14th September and is one of nineteen quilts from across the UK to be exhibited together for the first time.

Each quilt represents the grief and remembrance of those affected by suicide in their communities. Thanks to tireless communication from the exhibition’s sponsor, Liz Twist MP and her team, the display became “the talk of the Parliamentary Estate.”

The collection of nineteen memorial quilts marked the first time they had ever been shown together, creating what organisers described as a “breathtaking” visual of loss and remembrance that left “an indelible impression on the law-makers who came to view it.”

Opening Conversations Through Creativity

The Cornwall quilt has brought people together across the county to share their stories and open conversations about suicide and mental health. Organisers say the aim is to “change the narrative around suicide and mental health from one of secrecy, stigma and isolation to one of openness, understanding and hope.”

Hosted by Cornwall Mind, the project has received ongoing support from Brunel Quilters in Saltash, a group of 30 quilters, three of whom have been personally affected by suicide.

Upcoming Exhibition in Cornwall

The Cornwall Speak Their Name Quilt will next be exhibited during Cornwall Council’s Towards Zero Suicide event on 13th November at the Royal Cornwall Showground. A short presentation on the project will accompany the display, alongside others working to reduce suicide rates across the region.

More information about Speak Their Name can be found at https://speaktheirname.org/home/