Speak Their Name - a radical act of remembering

“Our quilt is redressing the balance. It’s about how our loved ones lived their lives — and how we remember them.”

In this deeply moving episode of Speaking of Suicide, Pennie Stuart meets Susan Finlay and Sue Henderson from Lothian Speak Their Name to explore a remarkable community project: a touring memorial quilt honouring lives lost to suicide.

Each of the 49 squares has been lovingly created in memory of an individual — not to dwell on the manner of their death, but to celebrate who they were. From mountains and music to herons and sunflowers, every stitch speaks of love, pride and identity.

Now touring Scotland — including a display at Inverness Cathedral from 30 March to 25 April 2026 — the quilt is opening up conversations about grief, stigma and suicide in a way that feels accessible, warm and deeply human.

The episode explores:

• Why suicide bereavement can silence families

• How community crafting creates safe spaces

• The courage of those who contributed squares

• The unexpected community formed through shared grief

• The power of “speaking their names”

This is a story about remembrance, courage, pride — and the radical act of celebrating a life.

Three Key Takeaways

1️ Suicide Loss Is About a Life — Not Just a Death

Too often, conversations after suicide focus solely on how someone died. The Lothian Speak Their Name quilt shifts the narrative to celebration, love and legacy — reminding us that every person was more than their final moment.

2️ Creativity Creates Safe Space

Sitting side by side, stitching and crafting, allowed people bereaved by suicide to talk — or not talk — in a stigma-free environment. Doing something with your hands can unlock conversations the heart struggles to start.

3️ Remembering Saves Lives

The quilt has already prompted powerful conversations across Scotland — and even helped at least one man seek help instead of ending his life. Visible love, visible remembrance and visible community matter.

If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or X. Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm.

Or come and visit at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness IV1 1LR, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm.

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