Sam Barnard joins 21 Together as Ambassador!

We are delighted to welcome Sam as an Ambassador for 21 Together! 

Sam has been acting professionally for 18 years and is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility and opportunities for people with learning disabilities. 

Having trained on Mind the Gap’s ‘Staging Change’ course for actors with learning disabilities, Sam has built an impressive career across television, film, radio and theatre. 

His TV credits include EastEnders, The Inbetweeners, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Grantchester, Casualty and Silent Witness. On radio, he has appeared in BBC Radio 4 dramas including First World Problems, Missing You and The Hungry Moon. 

Sam’s film work includes The Oxford Murders and he has also appeared in several short films including Stuart and Dumplings and Monico Perseus – for which he won a Best Supporting Actor Award. More recently, he played the role of Gus in the feature film The Man with a Plan, due for release in 2026. 

A pioneer in theatre, Sam became the first professional actor with Down’s syndrome in the UK to star in a pantomime season, when he played The Giant’s Henchman in Jack and the Beanstalk at the RCC Theatre, Rye. His stage credits also include Waiting for Godot, Bottled Dreams of Better Days, Hunt the Tiger and Vulnerable Voices. 

Beyond his acting career, Sam is committed to creating opportunities for others. He has co-led accessibility workshops for theatre directors and producers at the Young Vic, supports people with learning disabilities and autism through Bemix’s ‘Risky Business’ Drama and Performing Arts Group, and serves on the Advisory Board of Separate Doors. 

Sam’s talent, determination and dedication to inclusion make him a wonderful role model, and we are honoured to have him join the 21 Together family as an ambassador. 

Please join us in giving Sam a very warm welcome!