We’ve been nominated!
We are absolutely delighted to share some wonderful news with you all — West Norfolk Autism Group has been nominated for a BBC Radio Norfolk Make a Difference Award 2026!
These awards celebrate individuals and groups across Norfolk who go above and beyond to make life better for people in their communities, and we are honoured to have been put forward.
A Nomination That Means the World
We don’t know who nominated us — nominations are kept confidential — but we were given permission to share part of what they wrote, and it means more to us than words can say:
“My son was diagnosed with Autism in 2021 and we were really struggling as a family. We were recommended this group and it changed everything! The charity is ran by volunteers who have children themselves with Autism – they organise gatherings and events for all ages of people and their siblings who have autism. The group enabled my son to make friends, experience outings/trips that he would normally struggle with. I as a mum made friends with other parents who understand the challenges of raising a child with special needs – it gives me and my son and many other families a sense of belonging, where we are supported and not judged.”
Reading this reminded every one of us why we do what we do. West Norfolk Autism Group is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom are parents of autistic children ourselves. We understand the challenges families face because we live them too — and that’s exactly why we set out to create a space where nobody has to face them alone.
Whether it’s a family day out that would otherwise feel impossible, a sibling event, or simply a room full of parents who just get it without needing an explanation — this is what our community is built on. Belonging. Understanding. No judgement.
What Happens Next?
Here’s what’s ahead in the awards process:
- A panel of judges will review all nominations and select 32 finalists
- The finalists will be announced live on BBC Radio Norfolk this summer
- All finalists will be invited to attend the BBC Radio Norfolk Make a Difference Awards ceremony in September
We’ll be keeping everything crossed and will share updates as soon as we hear more!
Thank You
To whoever took the time to nominate us — thank you. And to every family, volunteer, and supporter who has been part of this journey with us — this nomination belongs to all of you. It’s your presence, your trust, and your stories that make this group what it is.
We’ll keep you posted as the awards process continues. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the West Norfolk Autism Group family. 💙
