About Public Sector Poetry
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Our Background
Public Sector Poetry publishes work from poets working in Education, Health, Social Care and Policing roles within our public sector. We also run poetry events and workshops for organisations who want to use poetry as a tool for staff wellbeing and development.
Korrin Smith-Whitehouse previously worked as a secondary school teacher and b
Public Sector Poetry publishes work from poets working in Education, Health, Social Care and Policing roles within our public sector. We also run poetry events and workshops for organisations who want to use poetry as a tool for staff wellbeing and development.
Korrin Smith-Whitehouse previously worked as a secondary school teacher and began Public Sector Poetry in 2021. She is Director of the project and co-editor of the journals. Previous editors have included Hannah Lowe, Casey Bailey and Molly Case.
Our Vision
At Public Sector Poetry, our aim is to give a voice to those working in the challenging sectors of Education, Health, Social Care and Policing by publishing excellent poetry.
We also aim to use poetry to promote creativity, self-esteem, wellbeing, advocacy, activism and, ultimately, change within the sector.
Our Authors - the collective
Our Authors - the collective
We are proud to have published 36 poets' work in our existing 3 journals, and have received poems from almost 750 writers, across the UK and beyond. Some of these poets are new to writing, and some are very established.
Every poet published becomes a member of our poetry collective who support one another's work and are offered paid work o
We are proud to have published 36 poets' work in our existing 3 journals, and have received poems from almost 750 writers, across the UK and beyond. Some of these poets are new to writing, and some are very established.
Every poet published becomes a member of our poetry collective who support one another's work and are offered paid work opportunities to deliver workshops, perform at events, support research and edit journals.
PUBLIC SECTOR POETRY'S MISSION:
Publishing excellent poetry
Public Sector Poetry publishes outstanding poetry in our journals, enlightening readers about life working in the sector. We recognise that there are barriers for some poets due to their challenging work situations, and offer these poets a space for their work through our niche journal. You can support the continuation of these journals by submitting a poem, and by purchasing journals in our shop.
Creating a community of practice
Public Sector Poetry has created a a community of practice; a community made up of public sector workers who poet. We meet up through launch events for the journal where we read work and discuss our shared experiences of the challenges that come with being a public sector poet.
We also have a growing online community which poets use to support and promote their work and the work of fellow public sector poets.
We provide a whole new community of poets with a new platform for their work.
Supporting the wellbeing of public sector staff
At Public Sector Poetry, we are more than just a publishing company; we offer a platform for poets to have a voice and communicate the challenges, frustrations, joys and rewards of working in the public sector.
Public Sector Poetry offers workshops to organisations who wish to support the wellbeing and development of their staff through reflective poetry. Reflective practice is well evidenced to support staff wellbeing and motivation. You can read more about the importance of reflective practice on our Research page, or enquire about our workshops for staff here.
Raising awareness and advocating for change and improvement
Every poem submitted to the journal contributes to a growing body of data about the sector; we treat the poems we receive as ethnographic data and each one is analysed to research the lived experiences of public sector workers. This research is supported by University of Northampton.
Public Sector Poetry aims to use the research we do to highlight issues facing public sector workers, and advocate for change and improvement in the public sector, using poetry as a form of activism. Learn more here.