We’re proud to celebrate that Emma Whitfield from our Surrey Branch has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of her services to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 

Emma has volunteered for our Surrey Branch since 2004, and was chair of the branch from 2011 to 2017. Over her time with the branch Emma has been involved in lots of different things, not least editing the branch newsletter, which is published every two months and distributed to members of the branch free of charge. This vital source of local news includes details of upcoming activities and events, along with information specifically for autistic people and their families.

Emma said: “When my son was diagnosed as autistic just after his third birthday, I didn’t know where to turn - I didn’t know anyone else with an autistic child. The paediatrician gave me the contact details for Sara Truman at the Surrey Branch and after attending my first meeting, I knew I had found my ‘tribe’. 

“When a plea went out a few years later for someone to help with the newsletter, I figured that, as I wrote for a living, I could probably help, so put my hand up. Since then I’ve been involved in lots of our activities and plans. Being part of the committee has given me far more than I’ve put in: we’re a very supportive, hard-working and close-knit group and I’ve been able to meet so many families and professionals because of being part of it.
 
“Receiving an MBE is very special: my late father received one from the Queen about 35 years ago and I know he’ll be smiling down at me for ‘joining the club’!
It was completely unexpected and I’m very grateful to Jill Goulding and the other members of the committee for nominating me.”

In 2012, former chair of the branch, Sara Truman, also received an MBE, for voluntary service to our charity.

Our charity operates volunteer-led branches across the UK, which run support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children, and their families in their local area, in addition to assisting with fundraising and campaigning.

Sarah Morgan, Branch and Volunteering Manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “This award is a wonderful recognition of Emma's outstanding volunteer commitment, and the strength of the Surrey Branch and its volunteers. For more than 20 years, Emma has played a key role in supporting autistic people and their families across Surrey.

“As a team, we have seen first-hand the dedication and passion that Emma and the volunteer team bring to their community. Emma's MBE is a richly deserved honour, and we are incredibly proud of Emma, the Surrey Branch and all the volunteers who continue to make such a positive difference.”

Further information

Read more about our Branches