The launch of The North East Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt Project
The North East Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt has been created in our region by those bereaved by suicide.
A launch event is being held on Saturday 11th November, from 2-4 pm at City Library in Newcastle, where the artwork will be unveiled. 120 individual fabric squares have been crafted, representing, and honouring loved ones who have died by suicide.
The ‘Speak Their Name’ movement originates in Greater Manchester where the first memorial quilt was made during the pandemic.
The project has been led by Tracey Beadle of the charity Quinn’s Retreat and Suzanne Howes. Both have lost children to suicide and are determined to make a difference and bring hope, in their children’s names.
The creation of the quilt was embedded in the local community. Over 200 people attended workshops in Darlington, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Teesside
The quilt will tour the region, starting with Tyne and Wear. It will be exhibited in Wallsend Library in December, followed by Whitley Bay Library in January 2024, before moving to Newcastle Cathedral.
The vision is that this powerful artwork will take centre stage in our region. The quilt will tour public places, provoke thought, be a catalyst for conversations and raise awareness about suicide. It is both a suicide prevention and postvention initiative. Alongside this, the quilt will bring hope and healing to those who have lost loved ones.
2023/2024 – Current / Planned Tour Dates
Newcastle Central Library until 25th November 2023
Wallsend Central Library – 28th November 2023 till 2nd January 2024
Whitley Bay Library – 3rd January 2024 to end January 2024
Newcastle Cathedral – February and March 2024
Gateshead College – April 2024
Gateshead Civic Centre – May 2024
Hebburn Central – June 2024
The Word, South Shields – July 2024
Sunderland Museum – August and September 2024
County Durham and Darlington
The confirmed locations for the quilt throughout County Durham, Darlington and Teesside are:
2024
Bishop Auckland Town Hall – October 3rd to October 17th 2024
TCR Hub Barnard Castle – October 17th to October 31st 2024
Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon – October 31st to November 14th 2024
Newton Aycliffe Library – November 14th to November 28th 2024
Peterlee Library – November 28th to December 12th 2024
2025
Seaham Community Centre – January 9th to January 23rd 2025
Stanley Louisa Centre – January 23rd to February 6th 2025
Consett Library – February 6th to March 13th 2025
Further dates / locations to be confirmed
Contact Us
We can be found on the following social media channels, please follow them for further updates and information about the project.
North East Speak Their Name
The launch of The North East Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt Project
The North East Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt has been created in our region by those bereaved by suicide.
A launch event is being held on Saturday 11th November, from 2-4 pm at City Library in Newcastle, where the artwork will be unveiled. 120 individual fabric squares have been crafted, representing, and honouring loved ones who have died by suicide.
The ‘Speak Their Name’ movement originates in Greater Manchester where the first memorial quilt was made during the pandemic.
The project has been led by Tracey Beadle of the charity Quinn’s Retreat and Suzanne Howes. Both have lost children to suicide and are determined to make a difference and bring hope, in their children’s names.
The creation of the quilt was embedded in the local community. Over 200 people attended workshops in Darlington, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Teesside
The quilt will tour the region, starting with Tyne and Wear. It will be exhibited in Wallsend Library in December, followed by Whitley Bay Library in January 2024, before moving to Newcastle Cathedral.
The vision is that this powerful artwork will take centre stage in our region. The quilt will tour public places, provoke thought, be a catalyst for conversations and raise awareness about suicide. It is both a suicide prevention and postvention initiative. Alongside this, the quilt will bring hope and healing to those who have lost loved ones.
2023/2024 – Current / Planned Tour Dates
Newcastle Central Library until 25th November 2023
Wallsend Central Library – 28th November 2023 till 2nd January 2024
Whitley Bay Library – 3rd January 2024 to end January 2024
Newcastle Cathedral – February and March 2024
Gateshead College – April 2024
Gateshead Civic Centre – May 2024
Hebburn Central – June 2024
The Word, South Shields – July 2024
Sunderland Museum – August and September 2024
County Durham and Darlington
The confirmed locations for the quilt throughout County Durham, Darlington and Teesside are:
2024
Bishop Auckland Town Hall – October 3rd to October 17th 2024
TCR Hub Barnard Castle – October 17th to October 31st 2024
Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon – October 31st to November 14th 2024
Newton Aycliffe Library – November 14th to November 28th 2024
Peterlee Library – November 28th to December 12th 2024
2025
Seaham Community Centre – January 9th to January 23rd 2025
Stanley Louisa Centre – January 23rd to February 6th 2025
Consett Library – February 6th to March 13th 2025
Further dates / locations to be confirmed
Contact Us
We can be found on the following social media channels, please follow them for further updates and information about the project.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1206026363588919
Email: northeastspeaktheirname@gmail.com