Kelsey Family CIC believes in the power of creativity to open hearts, challenge stigma, and strengthen recovery. That’s why the organisation is proud to be part of the Stitch Away Stigma project—an initiative that weaves together personal stories, community connection, and hope.
The Original Vision: Stitching Away Stigma, One Square at a Time
The original Stitch Away Stigma quilt was created by Natalie Needham, a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and recovery. Each square in the quilt was handmade by someone with lived experience of mental health challenges, addiction, or trauma. Together, these squares form a powerful visual statement: that recovery is real, and that there is strength in vulnerability, voice, and shared experience.
Natalie’s project gave people a creative, safe way to express what stigma feels like—and what healing can look like. It brought people together, reduced isolation, and sparked honest conversations that many felt unable to have before.
The Next Chapter: A Quilt That Travels—and Connects
Kelsey Family CIC are honoured to bring this project to the wider community by taking the Stitch Away Stigma quilt on a roadshow across Derbyshire. The quilt will travel to a range of community venues—libraries, recovery centres, art spaces, and local events—serving as both a powerful exhibit and a catalyst for connection.
At each stop, the team will also host free, welcoming craft-based workshops. These creative sessions are open to anyone—whether in recovery, supporting a loved one, working in mental health, or simply curious to learn and connect. Together, participants will use textiles and art to share stories, challenge shame, and build something meaningful.
Each new workshop will contribute additional quilt squares or creative expressions—expanding the project as it travels and making space for more voices to be heard.
Craft, Conversation, and Community
These workshops are not about being an artist—they’re about being human. Using stitching, collage, fabric painting, and other accessible materials, participants create together in a way that feels safe, gentle, and supportive. There’s time to talk, reflect, or simply sit and stitch in solidarity.
It’s about finding new ways to say, “You’re not alone. Your story matters. And we see you.” For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Steph Kelsey – Kelsey Family CIC
📧 Kffcic@gmail.com
📞 07733335797
Find out more about Kelsey Family CIC: KF CIC provides holistic based recovery support for anyone affected by substance use disorder either directly or indirectly.
Recovering Together is a project established to allow families, those in recovery and anyone affected by substance use with a clear support network to recover together. Through referrals and after an initial screening appointment, an individualised support package is developed. Support within the Recovering Together project can include:
Kelsey Family CIC – Recovering Together Project – Growing Recovery in Derbyshire
