Yolanda Barker
Nominee Profile
Location: Ashford
I am Yolanda Barker and I am honoured to be nominated for this award. Living with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis is not easy, but I am passionate about giving back and empowering others to lead fulfilling lives.
I volunteer for the MS Society in multiple roles including South East Kent Group Coordinator, participating in national panels and engaging in media activities. As part of the campaigning team I have been to No 10 Downing Street for a roundtable discussion on Neuro provision.
As a Parish Councillor I have helped establish the Community Fridge Project and the Community Heroes Scheme and through KALC I encourage other councils to adopt a more progressive approach to disability inclusion.
I run Ewe-Nique, a weekly therapeutic group for people with health conditions and I am involved with Flora, The Singleton Giant bringing communities together through creativity.
Recently I have become President of Singleton WI where I hope to empower local women through our activities.
As part of Ability Today's Academy for Disabled Journalists and the Disability Journalism Forum, I use my voice to drive awareness and change. My True Colours Substack allows me to publish my articles on a variety of topics.
I frequently speak on behalf of the disabled community, but more than anything, I hope to encourage others to raise their voices too. If I can help someone understand disability a little more, then I know my efforts have been worthwhile.
I volunteer for the MS Society in multiple roles including South East Kent Group Coordinator, participating in national panels and engaging in media activities. As part of the campaigning team I have been to No 10 Downing Street for a roundtable discussion on Neuro provision.
As a Parish Councillor I have helped establish the Community Fridge Project and the Community Heroes Scheme and through KALC I encourage other councils to adopt a more progressive approach to disability inclusion.
I run Ewe-Nique, a weekly therapeutic group for people with health conditions and I am involved with Flora, The Singleton Giant bringing communities together through creativity.
Recently I have become President of Singleton WI where I hope to empower local women through our activities.
As part of Ability Today's Academy for Disabled Journalists and the Disability Journalism Forum, I use my voice to drive awareness and change. My True Colours Substack allows me to publish my articles on a variety of topics.
I frequently speak on behalf of the disabled community, but more than anything, I hope to encourage others to raise their voices too. If I can help someone understand disability a little more, then I know my efforts have been worthwhile.