Memorial quilt for lives lost to suicide arrives at Heligan

Hundreds of small squares of fabric, each one stitched by hand, each one carrying a name. From Thursday, that memorial travels to Cornwall for four days, laid out among the gardens at Heligan.

Hundreds of panels, hundreds of stories

The Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt Tour will be on display at The Lost Gardens of Heligan from Thursday 27th August to Sunday 30th August, giving people across Cornwall the chance to remember loved ones, challenge stigma and encourage conversations that can save lives.

Each panel in the quilt has been made by families and friends in memory of someone they have lost to suicide. Together, the hundreds of panels form a moving tribute to lives remembered, and a reminder that behind every statistic is a person who was deeply loved and is still profoundly missed.

Why the tour is stopping in Cornwall

Visitors to Heligan are invited to spend time with the memorial, read the stories behind individual panels and reflect on the importance of compassion, connection and suicide prevention. Speak Their Name hopes the visit will encourage more honest conversations around mental health, and help people feel able to seek support, whether for themselves or for someone they are worried about.

“Every quilt represents someone deeply loved”

Ashley Redsell, Director of Speak Their Name, said: “We hope local people will come and spend time with the memorial. Every quilt represents someone deeply loved and missed. Bringing the quilt to Cornwall is an opportunity for our community to remember those we’ve lost while helping create conversations that may encourage someone to reach out for support.”

One stop on a six-week national tour

Heligan is one of seven locations on a six-week tour organised by Speak Their Name, which concludes in London on World Suicide Prevention Day, Thursday 10th September.

Suicide remains one of the UK’s leading causes of death among younger adults, with thousands of families affected every year. While every death is unique, Speak Their Name believes that breaking the stigma and encouraging honest conversations are essential steps towards prevention.

Support alongside the memorial

Alongside the quilt, visitors to Heligan will have the chance to learn more about suicide prevention, find out about support services and meet volunteers connected with the charity.

Event details:

• Venue: The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Opening times: Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August, 10am to 6pm
• Admission: £25.20

Full details of every stop on the tour are on the Speak Their Name website.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the memorial, share their reflections and help continue the conversation around suicide prevention.