Shildon mum's award for supporting others bereaved by suicide

Tracey Beadle, from Shildon, has used her own heartbreak to fuel a campaign which supports people who have been bereaved through suicide.

Tracey is the chairperson of Quinn’s Retreat, which she and husband David founded in memory of 17-year-old daughter Quinn who took her own life in December 2018 - exactly three years before the awards ceremony, hosted by The Northern Echo in association with Durham County Council, at Ramside Hall on Thursday.

Ten month's later 21-year-old son Dyllon, took his own life.

Dyllon and Quinn

Read more: Pictures of the glitzy County Durham Together Awards at Ramside Hall

The County Durham Together Awards 2021 take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham City. Winner of the Unsung Hero Award, Tracey Beadle. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Determined to support other people affected by suicide, Mrs Beadle set up Quinn's Retreat which offers respite accommodation in a caravan at Barnard Castle.

The organisation recently acquired a second caravan, which will be known as Dyllon’s Den.

Mrs Beadle, from Shildon, said: “The people we support are lost, like we were lost, and we offer them a break.

“It is a place they can go to be themselves, to just breath.

“We went away after Quinn. We had booked for the four of us to go away and decided to still go.

“It was a break from reality. We talked about Quinn a lot and yes we cried, but we also laughed.

“A short break away is important respite, it’s sometimes good to get away from where people know you and what’s happened and to just have space.

“We offer that support to people who want our help, no matter how long ago they were bereaved.

“Someone came to Quinn’s Retreat after a suicide 20 years ago and said it was the the first time they’ve actually had time out to think about their loved one.

“The difference between the money going into suicide prevention compared to the tiny amount for postvention is huge, but support really is needed because it is so difficult to deal with.”

The County Durham Together Awards 2021 take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham City. All of the award winners from the evening. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

The County Durham Together Awards 2021 take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham City. Winner of the Unsung Hero Award, Tracey Beadle. Presented by Robert Murdoch of award sponsor Youfibre. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

The County Durham Together Awards 2021 take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham City. Winner of the Unsung Hero Award, Tracey Beadle chats with event host Pete Barron. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Awarding her the unsung hero award, sponsored by YouFibre, judges said: “We were struck with how Tracey dealt with dreadful personal tragedy to reach out to other families who have suffered a similar experience, to provide a fantastic ongoing resource that she is looking to expand to help others in the region.”

*Samaritans is available round-the-clock, every day of the year, to listen and offer confidential support when things are getting to you, by free phone on 116123, email jo@samaritans.org or find the details for your local branch at samaritans.org. If you are a young person experiencing a mental health crisis, the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger also provides free, 24-7 support. Just text YM to 85258.

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