Sheniz Zehra Akanay from Enfield Young Creatives Network on the potential for creative self-expression to support people’s wellbeing

I was born and raised in Enfield, and as a Turkish Cypriot young woman, this borough has always been more than just a place to live – it’s home.

Enfield has shaped me by allowing me to celebrate and share the diversity of cultures and faiths within its community. Growing up here taught me the value of connection, collaboration, and creative expression, things that continue to guide my work today.

My journey started through poetry and spoken word, using rhythm, language and honesty to make sense of my world. Over time, that love of expression turned into something bigger: a desire to create spaces where others could experience that same freedom.

Having worked in the NHS and across healthcare settings for over five years, I have seen first-hand how vital self-expression is for mental health and emotional wellbeing. So much healing happens when people are given permission to be creative, to speak, to move, and to be heard.

As a creative facilitator, my dream for Enfield is to see creativity at the heart of community life. With twice-monthly poetry and expression workshops open to everyone, not just young people but all ages and backgrounds. I hold creative sessions which blend creative writing and spoken word artistry, offering a space to slow down, share, and connect which nurtures emotional regulation.

I’d like to inspire as many people as possible to come together, to rediscover their confidence, and to find joy in simply creating.

Beyond workshops, I imagine an Enfield that celebrates creativity in every corner; poetry nights in local cafés, art in our parks, open mics in community halls, and collaborations between artists, schools, and businesses. I want a borough where creativity is not a luxury but a shared part of everyday life.

Enfield has so much untapped talent and potential. My dream is for it to become a place where creativity connects us, where expression supports wellbeing, and where every voice, no matter how quiet, is valued.

That is the Enfield I want to help build.

Join Enfield Young Creatives Network on Instagram: @enfieldyoungcreatives

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This article is published with support from LocalMotion Enfield, part of a UK-wide movement for community-led change

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