Wendy West

A special mention to Haywood Drake, who received the prestigious Long Standing Commitment to Branches Award. Haywood has been volunteering at our Surrey branch for more than 25 years, been treasurer since 2013 and more recently has been involved in the development of Surrey’s autism strategy. 

There were 90 nominations and the winners were selected by a judging panel made up of branches staff, Tom Purser, our Head of Guidance, Volunteering and Campaigns, and Dr Sophie Castell, our Trustee.

Our charity has 116 volunteer-led branches across the UK, covering almost three quarters of the country. Each branch has a different focus but generally they offer information, support and social activities for autistic adults, children and their families in their local area. They also organise and support fundraising and campaigning. We also have online branches for autistic people with a shared interest, identity or experience. 

Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of National Autistic Society, said: “It was an honour to co-host our first ever branch awards and to see so many people coming together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our branches. 

All our branches are made up of volunteers, of parents carers and autistic people who are committed to transforming attitudes and changing lives in their communities. It was so inspiring to hear their stories and talk about the huge impact they’re having on local autistic people and their families. 

Thank you to all our volunteers, who give so much. And congratulations to everyone who was nominated and, of course, to our award winners.”

Full list of winners

• Branch Volunteer of the Year:

Anthony Quinn-Flipping, Chair of the Swansea Branch

Anthony launched our Swansea branch in 2015 after struggling to find local support for his two autistic sons – he’s worked tirelessly since then to help other families and improve local services.

One of Anthony’s nominees said “Anthony is loved by every member of Swansea branch.  He attends every branch event, spends hours on his laptop answering emails and sharing news of the branch.  He networks like no one I have ever seen, and gets everyone talking about Autism.”

• Autistic Branch Volunteer of the Year:

Wendy West, West Devon Autistic Women’s Group

Wendy set up the West Devon Autistic Women’s Group nine years ago, which is part of our branch network. Wendy still leads the group today and goes above and beyond to share her insights and information on autism with those in need. 

One of Wendy’s nominees said: “I feel that Wendy West deserves to be nominated as she has gone above and beyond with her volunteering duties over the past nine years. Wendy works tirelessly to ensure that all her knowledge and information on autism is accurate, up to date and presented in a clear, concise and inter-active manner. She is a truly inspirational person and a great ambassador for the National Autistic Society.”

• Young Branch Volunteer of the Year: 

Eleanor Ball & Molly Binfield (joint winners), Swansea Branch and Thurrock Branches

Eleanor Ball Molly Binfield both have autistic siblings. Eleanor is the youngest volunteer at our Swansea branch and is responsible for creating (and co-hosting) virtual quizzes and organising clothing donations.

One of Eleanor’s nominees said “Eleanor is often in the middle of exams when our quizzes take place, yet she still finds the time to write amazing, fun quiz's for our families to take part in. She has fast become a firm favourite with our branch members who enjoy taking part in her quiz nights.”

Molly’s has been volunteering with the Thurrock branch for 5 years. She’s a brilliant fundraiser and also engaged her employer to fund the branch’s young adults completing their Duke of Edinburgh Skills Award. 

When asked why she likes to volunteer with her branch Molly said “I volunteer for Thurrock branch, as a sibling of an autistic adult and I also get to help my amazing mum who set up this local branch. I like to be involved in raising money for the branch to make sure we can put on activities for our families to enjoy.”

• Most Imaginative Branch Fundraising Event:

Ben Egryn Nicholas, North Somerset Branch Chair

Ben came up with ‘legs for hire', where he completed intense charity cycle rides on behalf of other branches to help their fundraising efforts.

One of Ben’s nominees said “Ben offered us his legs in the form of a cycling challenge, against which our branch was able to fund raise through sponsorship of his efforts. Ben helped our small branch toward a £500 target, by undertaking a cycle. By 'hiring out' his legs and his stamina to us, Ben found a niche and unusual way of helping others.”

• Outstanding Branch Event:

Thurrock Branch

The branch run an annual residential campaign trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre in the Essex countryside. It's extremely popular and provides the opportunity to try outdoor activities tailored to the needs of the branch, such as kayaking, rock climbing, archery, tree top climbing and quad biking.  Not only is it great fun, but the event aids the development of communication and problem solving skills for the branch members, in a very accessible way.
 
One of the Thurrock nominees said of the event “My husband and two children are all diagnosed with autism, and I myself am physically disabled. Each one of us were accommodated & considered at the Stubbers event. It was such a fantastic experience!”

• Most Imaginative Online Branch Activity:

Highland Branch

The Highland branch formed in March 2021 in the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the remoteness and vast geographical area of the Highlands, there is limited scope for many residents to meet up in person, so the branch offers all its support online - from guest speakers to support group meetings and everything else in between!  

One of Highland’s nominees said “In an area as large and remote as Highland, autistic people and their families can feel incredibly isolated. The creation of the Highland Branch has transformed the support available in the Highland area. It is run by a committee who have a true understanding of the issues that can be faced. And what lovely and dedicated individuals they are, anyone getting in touch will receive empathetic support, kindness and great information.”

• Outstanding Branch Campaign of the Year:

South Lanarkshire Branch

The South Lanarkshire branch worked closely with the National Autistic Society Scotland team to campaign for the major political parties in Scotland to commit to a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disabilities. In April 2021 the Scottish National Party committed to the creation of a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner.
 
One of the branch’s nominees said of the branch “Ultimately the Our Voice Our Rights campaign was successful and the Scottish Government committed to introducing a Commissioner. The South Lanarkshire branch played a key role in ensuring that this happened.”

• Outstanding Branch Community Impact:  

Newtownards Branch

The Newtownards Branch was formed in Northern Ireland in 2008, and is run by a group of 7 dedicated parent volunteers. The branch supports over 200 families registered from all over the province and run many activities for families, such as fortnightly clubs, swimming lessons, sibling groups, cinema trips, weekly bounce sessions, summer day trips, annual residential and panto to name a few. 
 
One of Newtownards nominees said: "Before we were involved with Newtownards branch, my son and myself were extremely isolated. From the moment we joined the Newtownards Branch, our lives have been transformed. My son immediately started attending some of the branch activities. He has become much more confident and has made friends for the first time!  Belonging to the branch has taken me out of a slump of staying at home all the time and made me feel much more positive about both mine and my son's future.”

• Longstanding Commitment to National Autistic Society Branches:

Haywood Drake

 Haywood has been volunteer with the Surrey branch for more than 25 years. He joined the committee in 1999 representing autistic adults, and the following year set up the Branch Library. In 2013 he took over as Treasurer, and has held that role ever since. More recently, he has also been involved in the development of Surrey’s Autism Strategy. He does all this while working full-time, and often has to take time off work to attend meetings.  

One of Haywood’s nominees said “Haywood has been a fantastic member of the branch, always totally reliable and very efficient in a role which many people find daunting. He has been a great asset not only to the Branch, but to the wider autism community in Surrey for the last 25 years.”

Further information 

• Find out more and get involved in our branches.