The Tyne and Wear Metro is hosting a new poetry exhibition to showcase writing by NHS workers.
These new works are a result of the first Newcastle Hospitals Charity writer-in-residence programme for Newcastle Hospitals staff, hosted in partnership with writing development agency for the North of England, New Writing North.
We are delighted to be hosting this project in collaboration with the NHS and New Writing North at our Metro stations. The poems will be viewed by thousands of Metro customers.
Creative results from the project can be seen on poster sites in four Metro stations: Hebburn, Wallsend, West Jesmond and Longbenton.
Workers from Newcastle Hospitals have written about the joy and frustration of their professional lives; their personal experience of illness and being a carer; and the value of the NHS.
We hear from a consultant in Infectious diseases who treated some of the first UK Covid cases, a clinical perfusionist and a public health consultant who experienced becoming a caregiver when her son developed a chronic illness, and complex medical needs.
Sarah McCourt, Head of Marketing, Communications and Information at Nexus, said: “Longbenton Metro station has become the home of poetry. People don’t expect to see art and poetry in public places like train stations, but Metro already has a long history of displaying art on the network, and the writing on display expands on that. We’re really proud to support this very special exhibition of Newcastle Hospitals staff writing. We hope the work will surprise and inspire our customers.”
Odeth Richardson, the head of service in occupational health at Newcastle Hospitals has had three of her poems published on Metro.
She said: “The writer-in-residence programme was a god send for me as it helped me to develop my creative side but also provided a medium I could use to de-stress and support my wellbeing. It came at the right time. I have continued writing since the programme and it helps me to put things down that would normally occupy me and I can forget about it by channelling it into something positive. I am so pleased I could participate in this as it's helped me to cope with challenges in other areas of my life. A huge thank you to the team for providing us with this outlet.”
Katie Newell, Arts Programme Manager of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “The opportunity for staff to express their thoughts and feelings with colleagues and for a wider audience has had a positive impact on their wellbeing and sense of agency, and the residency has been such a success that we are continuing to work with Laura, to support creative writing opportunities in response to demand from staff.”
Anna Disley, Executive Director at New Writing North, said: “Those working on the frontline of the NHS go through intense life and death emotions on a daily basis. They face enormous challenges, which demand very human qualities of empathy, resilience and courage, which shine in the work they have written. Travel and commuting offers valuable space for us to read. We hope the work captures daily commuters and lift them out of their routine, showing the power words can have to transport, empower, and inspire.”
Longbenton Metro station has built a reputation as an alternative venue to showcase poetry, it displays poetry to over a million customers who use the station each year.
Three bespoke poems by Odeth Richardson are on display: The Rhythms of Home, Like a Phoenix, and These Little Things.