Barnet Post - bringing local news to print

About us

Barnet Post is a not-for-profit publication, written by and for local people: giving readers the chance to learn more about what is going on in their area and to read (and write) stories about what matters to them.

The Post aims to hold power to account, promote the work of local community organisations and voluntary groups, and provide a platform for local people to raise important issues. Barnet Post is an inclusive platform aiming to reflect the diversity of the borough and support local communities to tell their own stories.

The story so far

We successfully launched online in February and have already published journalism focusing on the issues that matter. Like this one about the national cladding scandal impacting residents in Colindale. 

We have spoken up for underrepresented communities, by revealing the way the pandemic is affecting migrant domestic workers in Barnet and reporting on carers striking for fair wages. 

We have reported on the council's activities and we have given local groups the platform to share news about their work.

Barnet Post is produced by Social Spider CIC, publishers of Waltham Forest Echo, Tottenham Community Press, Enfield Dispatch and EC1 Echo.

These publications operate on a sustainable, not-for-profit model funded primarily through local advertising supplemented by donations through local membership schemes. Any surplus generated is reinvested in improving the publications through additional pages, increased distribution or increased editorial budgets.

How you can help

We hope to raise funds to go to print bringing the news that matters to people across the borough including those who do not have access to the internet.

Once we have gone to print we will publish a 20-page newspaper once per month distributing a minimum of 10,000 copies throughout the borough. 

Readers of Barnet Post Say

"Good independent local newspapers are a vital part of community life. Newspapers that are not dominated by advertising, that actually relate local news and contain articles of local interest are key to helping people to belong to a neighbourhood, and for a neighbourhood to belong to its people. Local newspapers can be an important tool in holding to account people in power. Barnet Museum often uses archive material from local newspapers to inform our research. The value of such material cannot be overstated."

Mike Noronha

Curator 

Barnet Museum

“The range of articles covered in the Barnet Post since its launch has been inspirational and diverse. It’s been great to read about what’s been going on in the borough often directly from residents themselves. A new publication that gives local people from all walks of life a voice to share their stories is an asset to our community.”

Wendy Alcock

"Many of the older people we support in Barnet are not online and feel cut off from what's going on around them. A printed local paper delivered to the door is a great way to reach out, to keep older people informed and help tackle loneliness and isolation"

Age UK Barnet

"I welcome and fully support the idea of the Barnet Post becoming a print-first publication in our local borough as I have really loved reading more about local news and learning more about local residents and all the amazing things that they do. This past year has shown how important the community spirit is and through a local print paper such as the Barnet Post it's a lovely way for residents to keep on top of what's happening locally, get to know more about each other as well as how certain issues or upcoming changes may impact them. I love that the Barnet Post welcomes submissions from local writers thus championing the voices of it's residents! I know that I would very much enjoy reading a physical print version as would my neighbours, many of whom live on their own."

Binny Shah-Patel

UN Women UK Delegate #CSW65

Award-Winning Food and Travel Writer

"Barnet Post has an important role in fostering a conversation about social justice and uplifting all those individuals and groups that keep our borough ticking ensuring it is a safe, healthy and home for all its residence."

René Cassin, the Jewish voice for human rights