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Yolanda Barker on Muck Rack

Yolanda Barker

(She/Her)
Ashford, Kent County, UK, London
As seen in: Facebook, Medium, BBC, Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror, Metro (UK), Substack, ITV News Meridian, Birmingham Mail, The i Paper and
Covers:  Disability, positivity, family, health, wellbeing, planning, local planning, new housing, environment, accessibility, diversity, benefits, welfare system, MS, neurodiversity, home, life, mental health
Doesn't Cover: fishing, hunting and rock climbing.
NCTJ trained freelance journalist | MS & Disability Advocate | Academy for disabled journalists alumini | Speaker | Available to talk as panel member.
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Yolanda Barker’s Biography

I am a dedicated journalist with just over 50 years of life experience bringing a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to my work.
Born in Surrey, I now live in Kent, I have raised my family here for almost 30 years. My journey as a journalist has been shaped by my commitment to ensuring the voices of disabled people are heard and their stories are told with honesty and integrity.

Over the years, my work has been featured in numerous publications including Metro, Take a Break magazine and Kentish Express. I have appeared on BBC South East, ITV, Meridian, Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News, and BBC Defenders. These arenas have allowed me to reach a broad audience and discuss important issues ranging from parenting to illegal commercial waste dumping on a site of special scientific interest.

I am currently studying for my NCTJ qualification with the Academy for Disabled Journalists. This has enabled me to expand my horizons and write about topics beyond my comfort zone with success and enjoyment. Through the ADJ, I have been honoured to tackle new challenges and share stories that resonate with a diverse audience.

My work has taken me to Number 10 Downing Street where I took part in a round table discussion about Progressive MS and treatments. As part of a Government Select Panel, I represented people going through the PIP assessment process.

As a keynote speaker, I delivered my talk to hundreds of Women's Institute members about living with MS and receiving amazingly positive feedback. These are rewarding engagements and reinforce my commitment to share people's stories.

My skill set includes feature writing, web content, reviews, public speaking and panel participation. I am learning to write for news, data stories and audio and video editing (I am getting there!). I am adept at covering a wide range of topics. I am currently working on disability, health, family and community stories. My ability to connect with audiences and convey complex issues in an accessible manner is one of my greatest strengths.

I run a weekly craft group for people with chronic health conditions. I take my crochet with me, but often it is about supporting people. I use my training as a Support Volunteer with the MS Society to help me. As the Group Coordinator for South East Kent, I am responsible for the activities held and the team of volunteers. This has led me to become involved in national projects helping people affected by MS. My favourite was the Grants Panel. I was a founding member of the team selecting successful grant applicants. When this closed during COVID, I was selected for Nationwide Building Society's Community Grants panel. This has now closed too.

I was led to journalism through my very active volunteering roles. I volunteer with several organisations and wear many hats, and I live with disabilities myself.

I bring a uniquely open and honest perspective to those watching, listening or reading. My passion for storytelling and advocacy is driven by a commitment to ensure disabled people's voices are heard through me.

You can reach me at yolanda@yolandabarker.uk
or social media
X - @Bizywizy
LinkedIn - Yolanda Barker
Facebook - Yolanda Barker
Instagram - plush.pear
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