a POETIC

COLLECTIVE 

POETRY FOR THE PEOPLE

The Vision

The Psalmists exist to cultivate creative practice in prisons and among those on the margins of society. Through creative expression spiritual formation, we offer a space to process the past, reclaim the present, and participate in a redemptive future. Alongside in-person workshops, we develop creative resources such as journals and tools for writing and spiritual growth—that can be used in cells and beyond.

TESTIMONIALS

  • London City Mission

    I would highly recommend the Psalmists for any prisons context and firmly believe it has the potential to reach some of the hardest to engage and complex prisoners. The benefits of helping prisoners express themselves are huge and can have so many positive outcomes.

  • HMP Pentonville

    It's easy to see the effect The Psalmists has on the men who come to Josh's sessions. Not only do they receive excellent biblical teaching but they also find a new way to express themselves – doing so openly and honestly. Through writing and sharing as the Psalmists did, they understand that their thoughts and feelings matter - to God, to us, to each other. It is a transformative and cathartic experience for them

  • HMP Lancaster Farms

    Joshua helps draw out their stories, helps them re write their narratives, bringing about redemptive messages and encouraging them to reach out and use the hurt, pain and disappointments of the past for the greater good. He has a mesmerising way – using his empathetic ability to attune to individuals alongside his honed intuition is incredible to see.

The Psalmists Journey

Exploring our reckonings, responsibility, and renewal through the practice of poetry.

Lament

We begin by telling the truth. Lament is where we honour our wounds — naming grief, injustice, and loss without shame. It’s the first step in reclaiming our voice.

repent

In repentance, we face our part in the harm — to ourselves, to others, to the world. It’s not about condemnation but conviction and the honesty that leads to transformation.

Ascent

Ascent remembers and looks forward, we recall how far we’ve come — giving thanks for grace in the wilderness. From this place of remembrance, we imagine new ways of living.

A POETIC COLLECTIVE

The Psalmists are a collective of poets bringing the beauty and power of poetry to the margins — from the stages to the shadows, to those whose voices have been silenced or forgotten. We believe in the power of words to bring healing and stir hope, even in the darkest places. Through our workshops, gatherings, and creative resources, we’re helping people reclaim their voice and tell their story.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Poet | Founder

    The Psalmists was founded by pastor, poet and published author Joshua Luke Smith.

    Joshua has over 15 years of experience as a writer and performer, travelling around the world with the mandate to “Speak into the Chaos”.

    Early in his career Smith began performing in prisons and saw first hand the power that poetry had in impacting the lives of those inside.

    The Psalmists seeks to equip offenders with the life changing practice of Poetry for themselves, bettering their lives and the lives of those around them.

    Joshua has been featured in Complex Magazine, BBC 1XTRA, BBC 6 Music, Premier Radio, UCB Radio, Wordplay and many other media outlets. He has given a TED X Talk, tours extensively and has served as a Pastor for over ten years.

  • Poet | Facilitator

    Pete is a poet, husband, and father, based in Exeter the South West. As one of The Psalmists, Pete is passionate about using poetry to build community, spark reflection, and explore faith.

    He works with a vulnerable group of writers, including those experiencing addiction, homelessness, and social isolation, providing them with an outlet for their stories through writing.

    Pete also facilitates a poetry workshop at HMP Exeter, where he engages with inmates through creative expression, often focusing on the Psalms and emotional healing. Through his work, Pete seeks to foster connection, transformation, and hope in those often marginalized by society.

  • Poet | Facilitator

    David Joey is a performance poet and youth and community worker with over 15 years of experience. As one of The Psalmists, David combines his passion for creative expression with his deep commitment to supporting marginalised individuals. He has worked with a wide range of people, including those at risk of organised crime, incarceration, and homelessness, creating spaces that foster self-reflection, community connection, and personal progression.

    David’s work is rooted in faith, and his poetry often doubles as prayers of praise and process, drawing inspiration from the Psalms.  Through his creative writing workshops, he aims to offer a space for people to share their stories and journey towards personal and societal transformation.

Why we do it.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou

We do this work because words can heal what silence cannot. In prisons, on the streets, and at the edges of society, we meet people in their humanity — not their history. Because when people find their story, they begin to find their way.

the impact.

    • Reduced Recidivism: Studies show that inmates involved in creative programs, including art and poetry workshops, are up to 30% less likely to reoffend after release​ (UAL). text goes here

    • Creative programs significantly improve mental health, with one UK study finding that 85% of participants reported enhanced well-being and emotional resilience​ (UAL).

      • Boosts Mental Health: Studies show that expressive writing reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by helping individuals process difficult emotions (Pennebaker, 2013).

      • Improves Cognitive Function: Regular writing enhances brain connectivity, improving memory and problem-solving skills (Kellogg, 2008).

      • Increases Emotional Intelligence: Writing about emotions fosters self-awareness and empathy, leading to better emotional regulation (Burton & King, 2004).

      • Enhances Creativity: Writing stimulates divergent thinking, helping you generate more creative solutions (Flaherty, 2005).

      • Strengthens Communication Skills: Frequent writing helps articulate complex ideas more clearly and persuasively (Graham & Perin, 2007).

    • Creative engagement fosters social skills, with over 70% of inmates noting better communication and empathy after participating in such programs​ (UAL).

Research highlights the profound benefits of creativity in prison settings. Studies show that participation in creative programs, such as poetry workshops, significantly improves inmates' mental health, fosters social skills, and offers them an outlet for self-reflection.

“Our vision is that by providing a space for creative expression, reflection and spiritual formation, we would play a part in decreasing reoffending rates as inmates leave prison. We truly believe that a creative practice is vital for the wellbeing of a person. We believe in the power of poetry. We believe in the power of words to shape our worlds.

Our lived experiences need a point of expression, a form of release that leads us to a redemptive rather than destructive end.”

Joshua Luke Smith | Founder

  • Each workshop provides a space for the participants to learn about poetry as a tool for creative expression. These sessions are interactive and engaging.

    We spend time focusing on the importance of discovering our creative voice, owning our stories and discovering a way to express our experiences and emotions.

  • Yes we are, our Registered Charity Number is 1213183.

  • The workshops are free, they are funded by The Psalmists, a not for profit organisation.

  • Simply fill out the booking form on our contact page.

  • I have SSCL clearance for all B and C category prisons across England, Scotland and Wales.

  • The Psalms are an inspired and timeless collection of ancient Hebrew poetry.

    Across the 150 poems that make up the Psalter, no stone of the human experience is left unturned. From the depths of despair to the highest point of elation, the voice of the Psalmist rings out, in sorrow and in praise.

    Our work is deeply rooted in the tradition of the psalms, creating spaces for lamentation, confession and awe.

We’ve flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. Their grip is broken; we’re free as a bird in flight.

PSALM 124:7