Our Founder

Esi Yankey is a British/Ghanaian Performance Poet, Co-host, and Resident Poet at The Chocolate Poetry Club; and Holistic Practitioner. She has previously facilitated therapeutic music workshops with both community and SEN groups. As a performance Poet Esi has graced stages at The Royal Albert Hall, The Tate Modern Gallery, Althorp Literary Festival, Leefest, The Lambeth Country Show, and many more. She captivates her audiences with her honest and heartfelt poetry; often speaking up on behalf of the oppressed and silenced. Esi began writing poetry as a child, and carried her love of writing into adulthood. Upon learning more about the therapeutic benefits of poetry and creative writing, she realised that she had been unknowingly using poetry as a therapy for many, many years. Combining her love of poetry, with her knowledge of holistic therapy, and passion for mental health awareness; Esi founded Poetry Prescribed in 2017, with the primary aim of improving people’s mental health and well being using poetry and creative writing.

"Esi is passionate and professional in what she does. She nurtures and inspires, and inevitably the creative juices begin to flow. She is a natural teacher, in terms of presenting the group with poetry and helping us to think analytically and feel empathy for the writers. It is only natural that this process enabled me and others in the space to analyse and feel empathy with ourselves and each other (respect to the max to the group also). To some (including me) this will be a healing space, to others therapy, or simply an opportunity to feel free to create. I would so recommend Esi's work in both voluntary and statutory organisations” - Judy Worrell

"Just wow is what I can say about Esi, she is a wonderful teacher, she was easy to relate to and made the whole workshop fun, inspiring and most importantly welcoming, I instantly felt at ease and as my shyness evaporated my creativity came forth. I was delighted with the poem I produced and would definitely recommend this workshop." – Venessa Ellen