Underground Newcastle

Moving Forward Newcastle

Curiosity Creative worked with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and Moving Forward Newcastle, an organisation that supports adults with mental health needs, to explore an unusual aspect of Newcastle’s heritage – some of the parts of the city which are below ground.

The theme of Underground Newcastle was chosen by the group members after we discussed ways to tell an alternative history of the city, giving different perspectives of the past.

Curiosity Creative ran eight sessions, including a trip to the Local Studies section of Newcastle City Library where we looked at archival photographs, and of course some visits to underground locations including the pedestrian Tyne tunnel, the police cells at Wallsend Town Hall, the Victoria Tunnel, the crypt at St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, the Castle Keep and the Roman Fort and Wall under Newcastle. 

The group made their own individual stories and, during the process, were equipped with skills that they can use in their personal and work lives going forward, including technical and ICT skills, and increased confidence and interpersonal skills.

"Curiosity Creative provided a bespoke package of training to a group of people using our service. The aim of the programme was to improve the confidence of the participants by introducing them to a range of multi-media and storytelling techniques. The members of the group were extremely proud that their stories became part of an exhibition in Newcastle on World Mental Health Day in 2013. This introduction ignited the enthusiasm of many in the group to learn more and develop their skills further.

Four of the group have gone on to produce a film in collaboration with Newcastle University on promoting shared decision making."

Julia Perry Speciality Coordinator Moving Forward Newcastle

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