Memorial Quilt Displayed at Lys Kernow to Raise Suicide Awareness

A memorial quilt featuring tributes to people from Cornwall who took their own lives has gone on display at Lys Kernow, forming the centrepiece of a special event focused on mental health and suicide awareness.

The event took place on Monday 19th January and encouraged people to learn more about suicide prevention training and local support available across Cornwall.

A Quilt at the Heart of the Event

The patchwork ‘memory quilt’ is part of Speak Their Name, a national programme that supports people bereaved by suicide. The quilt aims to spark conversation while celebrating the lives of those who have died.

The event was organised by Cornwall Council’s public health team in partnership with Speak Their Name Cornwall and mental health charity Mind. It also linked with the ongoing Towards Zero suicide campaign in Cornwall.

Representatives from organisations including Healthy Cornwall, Papyrus and the Samaritans were present on the day.

Visitors were able to find out more about suicide intervention training and the orange button community scheme.

Why the Quilt Matters

Speaking at the event, Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said:

“The Speak Their Name memory quilt is such a powerful symbol of the devastation caused by suicide and an important reminder of why the Towards Zero campaign is so vital.

“It’s crucial that we confront this issue openly and work together, which is why events like the one on Monday are so important.

“Free training is available for anyone living or working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, helping people feel more confident in having these conversations and guiding others to the right support.”

Val Ribbons from Speak Their Name Cornwall added:

“People who have died by suicide are not defined by their death – they lived unique lives that touched all the people who loved and cared for them. Our beautiful Memorial Quilts honour those lives. The mums, dads, friends, and siblings that contribute to them come together in our groups to remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives.”

Where to See the Quilt Next

The memory quilt will remain on display at New County Hall until Friday 13th February. It will then move to St Johns Hall in Penzance until Friday 6th March, before travelling to Chy Trevail in Bodmin.

Anyone impacted by the suicide of a loved one can find support through the Cornwall Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt page on Facebook or via the Speak Their Name website.

Support Available

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (option 2). The free service is available to people of any age in Cornwall at any time.

People in Mind provides non-urgent mental health support for those aged 16 and over in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The service can be contacted on 01872 266383 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, or by email at welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk.

📷L to R: Val Ribbons (Speak their Name), Anne Ogden (Speak Their Name), Carly Titmus (Papyrus), Becky Miles (Healthy Cornwall), Michelle Hooker (Cornwall Council Public Health) and Russel Anderson (Samaritans)