‘Stitch Away The Stigma’ (2021)

Hand-sewn fabric square for a wall-hanging created by textile artist, Natalie Needham, as part of a creative campaign for those affected by the addiction of a loved one. The 50+ participants, from as far afield as Glasgow and Cornwall, stitched their thoughts and feelings about their loved one’s addiction onto squares of Natalie's hand dyed fabric. The ongoing community textile project offers participants an outlet for some of the pain, anger and trauma that comes with loving and caring for someone with an addiction. It was formed as a way for their voices to be heard when feeling forgotten and alone. The wall hanging was first shown as part of an exhibition at City Screen Picturehouse, York and raised funds for York Carers Centre’s substance misuse support group.