Quilt It In Schools

ABOUT THE HIV AWARENESS QUILT

Approximately 101,200 people are living with HIV in the UK with 1 in 7 people not realising they have HIV,  as they haven't had a recent test.  
The 'Quilt it in School' is a new Eyes Open project for 2017/8 that aims to continue with the creation of Quilts to raise awareness of challenging the stigma around HIV.  
Pupils were encouraged to be creative and submit quilt squares for a new quilt that will tour schools, academies and colleges across the area (within Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland). 

Pupils up to the age of 19 years old,  took part using a variety of methods including, paint, spray paint, iron on transfers and fine needle work.  
Panels were created solo or by using quilting traditions of groups coming together to create something special.
Once we had the panels we commissioned Anne Buck, a proffessional seemstress to put the quilt together with a red ribbon boarder and a backing material. The finished result is outstanding and ideal to display.

QUILT TOUR

The Eyes Open Committee are looking to display the quilt in various locations in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sunderland, North Tyneside and Northumberland as part of their work in raising awareness of HIV and World AIDS Day.  

Please do not hesitate to contact us, if your school, academy or college would be interested in having the quilt on display for a short period of time.

HIV QUIZ

Eyes Open has a HIV quiz and lesson activities for schools which are available by email.
Visit our Contact us page.

THE PASKE AWARD

Steve Paske, was a former team leader for sexual health promotion and a much valued member of the Eyes Open Steering Group.  Although sadly no longer with us, in his memory the Paske Award is presented annually by Eyes Open.  It is a prestigious award for HIV innovation and celebrates the most forward thinking approaches in raising awareness of HIV and is nothing short of the gold standard in schools and community based sexual health and HIV work.  It is awarded for outstanding contribution towards raising awareness and reducing the stigma of HIV.  

The 2018 Paske Award will be awarded to the school, academy or college who submit the most innovative panel to raise awareness of HIV. 

How the quilt came together: