Event Overview:

On the 10th September 2025 it is World Suicide Prevention Day as well as for the first time ever the Baton of Hope arrives into the city of Leeds, with one of the handovers in the Joshau Van Leader exhibition space. To celebrate this day we have a range of presentations and events across the day and would love as many people as possible to come to either the full day or selected parts of the day.

Three Eventbrite events have been scheduled for the day — Morning, Afternoon, and Evening sessions. Everyone is welcome to attend as many as they'd like. Feel free to spread the word — we’re aiming for a great turnout!

ALL DAY

Speak Their Name Quilt

Anyone bereaved by suicide can create a memorial square on fabric by embroidery, stitching, painting, or any other artistic route. Each unique square is dedicated to their loved one. The Yorkshire Speak Their Name quilt will be in the Joshua Van Leader – Inspire to Inspire exhibition space from Tuesday 26th August to Friday 6th September and then from Wednesday 10th September (BoH and World Suicide Prevention day) to Friday 19th September.

Anna Scott (Bio)

Anyone bereaved by suicide can create a memorial square on fabric by embroidery, stitching, painting, or any other artistic route. Each unique square is dedicated to their loved one. With all the squares sewn together into a quilt, a beautiful memorial is created.

The idea resonated with countless families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one to suicide; through joining a quilt group they became part of a community that supports each other. This may be from knowing that their square is part of a quilt alongside others, or from physically getting together and coming to know others who have suffered the same. There are now suicide memorial quilts across many counties of the UK, with more being created and added to all the time.

The Yorkshire Speak Their Name quilt will be in the Joshua Van Leader - Inspire to Inspire exhibition space from Tuesday 26th August to Friday 6th September and then from Wednesday 10th September (BoH and World Suicide Prevention day) to Friday 19th September.

10:00 AM

The Presence Effect Choir led by Fran Wyburn

In this special session at the gallery space, Fran will gently guide you through self-compassion and self-regulation practices, weaving mindful tools directly into our singing. There’s no pressure here - just come as you are and simply be.

We’ll explore original compositions taken directly from Joshua's poetry, alongside uplifting, water-themed melodies inspired by his oceanic motifs in his work. Let your voice resonate with the ebb and flow of the sea and connect deeply with your own voice, the collective chorus, and the creative expressions of Josh.

Expect a rich blend of:

• Thoughtful meditation to open the heart
• Powerful, ocean-themed songs to unite voices
• Playful moments and heartfelt connection filled with laughs and emotional release

Fran Wyburn (Bio)

Fran Wyburn of The Presence Effect is a musician, song leader, and coach who helps people reconnect with joy and presence through music.

11:30 AM

Tom Dickinson – Tom’s Talks

An Honest and Powerful Talk on Mental Health with Tom Dickinson

Join motivational speaker and founder of Tom’s Talks, Tom Dickinson, for a powerful and thought-provoking session on mental health, resilience and the strength found in vulnerability.

After losing his brother to suicide, Tom has dedicated his life to opening up honest conversations around mental health. Through storytelling, relatability and honestly. Tom creates a safe space for audiences to reflect, connect and feel seen.

Expect a talk that is moving, real and powerful - offering practical tools, emotional insight and a reminder that no matter how tough things get, there is always hope.

Tom Dickinson (Bio)

Tom Dickinson is a motivational speaker and founder of Tom’s Talks.

After losing his brother to suicide, Tom now shares his story to open up conversations around mental health, resilience and hope. His talks have inspired thousands across the UK through honesty, relatability and powerful messaging.