The Poetry Project

Earlier this year, we were excited to partner with James McInerney’s Poetry Project to install four new posters outside our Kettering Road location, featuring carefully selected, meaningful poems. To ensure the messages resonated with our community, we invited both students and staff to choose their favourite poems and phrases from a curated list for the posters.

With that in mind, we’re excited to feature James in this blog post. Read on to discover more about the project, James’ connection to music, and his experiences living in Northampton.

The Poetry Project

My name is James McInerney, and I am a poet, author, and mental health advocate, proudly born and bred in Northampton. My journey into poetry wasn’t sparked by words alone—it started with music. Growing up, instrumental film scores were my escape, inspiration, and therapy. Each note carried an emotion I struggled to express, especially during difficult times. These powerful melodies became my guide, unlocking feelings that poured out as poetry.

Northampton shaped who I am today. The town’s spirit taught me resilience, and it was here that I first realised the healing power of words. Writing wasn’t just about creating poetry; it was a way to make sense of my emotions and the world around me. Music ignited my creativity, helping me channel my thoughts into something tangible–something that could resonate with others.

In 2004, I decided to share my poetry with the world. I wasn’t expecting much, but the response was overwhelming. Messages like, “I feel like this too…” and “I’m glad I’m not alone” showed me that my words struck a chord. My poetry, influenced by film scores and personal struggles, was helping others feel seen and understood.

My journey took a transformative turn in 2018. Walking through the London Underground, I noticed inspirational quotes on the information boards. I thought, “Why not poetry?” I reached out to Transport for London on Twitter, suggesting they display my poems. To my surprise, they loved the idea! Soon, my words were up on those boards, reaching thousands of commuters each day.

Messages like, “Be kind to everyone you meet and remember that flowers bloom when the sun shines,” resonated deeply. Photos of my poems spread across the internet, and The Poetry Project was born. What started as a simple idea on the London Underground grew into a global movement.

The Poetry Project uses public spaces to display messages of hope and mental health awareness, fostering connection and community. It has expanded to train stations, airports, skyscrapers, and football grounds. We’ve partnered with organisations like Network Rail, Nokia, and the Royal Horticultural Society, bringing poetry to unexpected places.

Yet, no matter how far The Poetry Project reaches, Northampton remains at the heart of my journey. It’s where I first found my voice and continue to draw inspiration.

The real reward isn’t the public displays or viral posts–it’s the impact. When someone says, “Your words have saved my life,” it reminds me why I started this journey. Poetry, influenced by music and shaped by personal struggles, has become a powerful tool for connection and healing–not just for me, but for thousands of others.

I’m proud to be Northampton-born and bred, carrying its spirit wherever my words travel. Through poetry, I hope to show that no one is alone–that there’s always hope, even in the quietest corners.