A dedicated Newquay woman has been awarded a prestigious accolade for her work in changing the way autistic people are perceived and supported in the community.

Maria Ralph will be presented with the British Citizen Award for Services to Education at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday, June 29.

She is being recognised for the honour following her work delivering autism training both locally and nationwide as well as for championing disability rights.

Marie manages to find around 60 to 80 hours a week to volunteer for the organisations she runs despite being a carer for autistic children, as well as being an NHS Autism and LD trainer, running two not-for-profit organisations and being a physically disabled and autistic person herself. 

She is the director of two CICs; Youth Art Connect supporting positive mental health and well-being through art, and The Autistic Community of Cornwall supporting autistic people and their families through befriending, advocacy and peer-to-peer support. 

She is also chair of the local Tourette’s Action branch and sits on other disability and LGBTQA+ committees across Cornwall. 

Marie said: “When I first discovered I had been awarded this incredible accolade I was away in Barcelona. The person who nominated me emailed to say “have you seen your emails?” 

“I checked them and literally couldn’t speak. My partner thought something was seriously wrong because I was in total disbelief and shock. I do work non-stop with the three organisations I run as well as caring and home educating the boys, plus working in the NHS as an autism and LD trainer but I never imagined someone would want to recognise that work nationally.

“I just want to help people. This is a huge privilege and hopefully we can raise awareness, support, donations and help for these vital groups moving forwards from this. 

“If anyone out there is reading this can support the work I do with the ACC or YAC or Cornwall Tourettes Action, then please feel free to contact me.”

Marie started her journey 12 years ago after attending an autism course, which made her passionate about supporting parents of autistic children. 

Since then, she has become a leading figure in the autism field, supporting parents of autistic children and adults and delivering autistic-designed and led training across the NHS, LA and various other organisations and associated bodies. 

Marie is one of 26 remarkable individuals to be recognised with the prestigious British Citizen Award in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours. 

The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country. 

Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ – due to the fact that anyone with an OBE, CBE of KBE is ineligible to receive a BCA – the programme recognises community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.