To mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), local education charity Inclusion Education, hosts of Baton of Hope Basingstoke, are unveiling the Speak Their Name exhibit.
This beautiful and moving piece is a memorial quilt – with each square created by different people and organisations to commemorate those lost to suicide.
The Speak Their Name movement originated in Greater Manchester in 2020 – with further pieces created in Yorkshire and the North East.
In early 2024, Beeb Deacon and Lara Kynvin connected to inspire the project for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This beautiful quilt has since been on tour throughout the county and surrounding areas, helping to promote suicide prevention and encourage conversation and end stigma.
The quilt has been loaned to Basingstoke as part of this year’s Baton of Hope tour.
Inclusion Education Relationships Director and Lead for Baton of Hope Basingstoke Marie Greenhalgh said:’
We are deeply honoured to be able to display the Speak Their Name Quilt as part of our Baton of Hope Basingstoke activities. This moving piece reminds us of the incredibly personal stories people are sharing. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person – a parent, child, sister, brother, friend and loved one, lost to suicide.
The quilt helps represent everything we are doing through the Baton of Hope Basingstoke – starting conversations, showing support and letting everyone know you are not alone, you matter, there is hope.
The Quilt has gone on display this week to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and will be available to view until 25th September – Baton of Hope Basingstoke Day.
Marie Continued,
“We really do urge people to come along and view this incredible, collaborative artwork that symbolises so much to so many people. The fact that such beauty has been created from such tragedy is just so moving and immortalising the memory of those no longer with us, letting them still be seen and heard through this artistic expression is just inspiring. The quilt serves as a reminder that together we can become united in hope and know we are not alone.”
The quilt and accompanying memorial book are being held at Inclusion EB8 in Belvedere House, Basing View and can be viewed Monday – Friday from 10am – 3.30pm.