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

Future Exhibitions

After the above confirmed locations the quilt will then go on tour throughout County Durham, Darlington and Teesside. For ideas as to where would be a suitable place to display this, please get in touch with us via the below channels

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

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial