Doing Nothing Will Only Make Things Worse ............

If you are a parent/carer or loved one, and you have a family member that holds ideologies centred on themes like racism, extreme nationalism, authoritarianism and have intolerance towards minority groups, or they advocate for views significantly outside the political mainstream, then this can mean that they are supportive of, or that they are actively involved in the extreme right wing.

If you are still unsure if that matches your loved one’s narratives and behaviours let's have a look in a bit more detail at what some of the beliefs they may have means.

●      Extreme Nationalism: A strong belief in the superiority of a "native" population and culture, often accompanied by the desire to remove people of different nationalities, religions, and cultures.

●      Xenophobia and Prejudice: High levels of prejudice and anti-immigrant stances are common, targeting ethnic, racial, and religious minorities, including Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and women.

●      Authoritarianism and Hierarchy: Supporters often believe in the concept of an authoritarian state and a natural social hierarchy, desiring group-based dominance and obedience to authority. They may reject fundamental democratic values like the rule of law and individual liberty, sometimes calling for power to be concentrated in a single leader.

●      Conspiracy Theories: Embracing conspiracy theories is a common trait, such as the idea of a deliberate "replacement" of white populations via immigration.

●      Us versus Them Mentality: There is a strong "us vs. them" mindset, where minority communities are seen as harming the interests of the "native" population, and those with differing opinions may be actively rejected or dehumanized.

●      Anti-Establishment Narratives: Extreme right-wing groups often promote anti-establishment views designed to erode trust in institutions, the media, and the legal system.

If any of these ring familiar, and match your loved one’s views or behaviours then you need to act now. There are organisations that can provide your loved one help and support to reduce their Extreme right-wing beliefs.

Trying to deal with this alone is often beyond the scope of the families or loved one’s abilities and a trained professional is often required to step in and provide that help and support.

Without that support, those involved may experience the following.

●      Breakdown or loss of relationships

●      Loss of education or employment

●      Damage to reputation

●      Risk of criminal charges or imprisonment

●      Compromise for theirs and others safety.

●      Mental, emotional and physical decline.

●      Risk to future prospects

●      Isolation and exclusion

●      Financial Loss.

This is why you need to act fast and why early intervention and support is essential as it can drastically reduce the risk of damage that is caused by involvement.

So, who can you contact and how can they help?

Prevent - "Prevent" primarily refers to the UK government's counter-terrorism strategy to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, focusing on early intervention, safeguarding vulnerable individuals from radicalisation, and challenging extremist ideologies, but the verb "prevent" simply means to stop something from happening. The government's Prevent programme works with local authorities, police, and communities to offer support through initiatives like the voluntary Channel programme, using training and multi-agency panels to identify and help those at risk.

UK Government's Prevent Strategy Overview:

●      Goal: Protect communities and individuals from terrorism by stopping radicalisation.

●      How it works:

○      Tackles causes: Addresses ideological drivers of terrorism.

○      Safeguards: Supports people at risk of being drawn into extremism, similar to safeguarding against gangs or drugs.

○      Builds resilience: Raises awareness among professionals (educators, health staff, etc.) to spot signs of radicalisation and know how to get help.

●      Key Component: Channel: A voluntary support service for individuals identified as vulnerable to radicalisation, involving mental health, education, and other services.

So now you know where you can get support for your loved one, what about you?

Many family members and loved ones experience a whole myriad of other issues and consequences because of their loved one’s involvement. These are as follows.

●      Mental, physical, and emotional distress and decline.

●      Feelings of failure

●      Fear for their own and their loved one’s safety.

●      Isolation and exclusion.

●      Fear of judgment.

●      Reputational damage.

●      Loss or damage to education, employment or other prospects.

●      Loss and damage to relationships.

●      Legal and financial Issues.

●      Risk of radicalisation to themselves and others.

●      Risk of physical and emotional abuse from those involved.

This is why it is important for families to get support and guidance too. Not only does that reduce the damage and trauma that is often faced, but it will also leave the family in a better emotional and physical position to work alongside agencies that are involved in helping their loved one, increasing the opportunity of a successful outcome.

So, let's discuss where you can get support for yourself?

Act Early is a UK-based safeguarding programme designed to provide advice and support to people who are concerned that a friend or family member may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Key information and access details include:

●      Official Website: actearly.uk

●      Purpose: It helps individuals spot the signs of radicalisation and provides a confidential way to share concerns with specially trained Prevent officers before a person commits a crime.

●      Support Line: You can call the national Police Prevent Advice Line at 0800 011 3764 for confidential guidance.

●      Operating Hours: The support line is generally available 24 hours a day for public concerns from a family perspective.

Act early can advise you, and as their phone line operates 24/7 meaning that they can offer that much needed support and guidance during the most difficult and challenging times that many families with a loved one involved, sadly often face.

Please do not blame yourself, this is not your fault, and you bear no responsibility for their involvement, however you can be responsible for their recovery, but the only way to do that and bring your loved one home, is by being brave, honest and reaching out for support.

You can do this – You are not alone!

Sarah – Exit Family Support