Volunteers Notes - Selina, Rose, Sophie & Laura

Seeking to highlight what people think who volunteer and support our work, here are just a few thoughts from Seina, Rose & Sophie.

What initially drew you to Exit Hate?

I was drawn to Exit Hate as the rise in the far right targeting young people was really concerning to me. I believe in protecting all people from radicalisation and seeing, time and time again, young people caught up with hateful campaigns, dangerous activities and even contact with the criminal justice system is really worrying. The grooming process used to radicalise people is insidious and we need to be able to protect people from those who don't have other's best interests at heart.

What motivated your decision to volunteer with Exit Hate?

I really liked Exit Hate's non-directive and non-judgemental values and most importantly, that their services are built by and for formers and their families. Who else knows better the processes and impacts of radicalisation than those who have experienced it first hand? It's great that Exit Hate can be the community for formers and their families that many of them needed or were seeking out when they were targeted by the ERW (Extreme Right-Wing).

In what ways is the support and commitment of volunteers essential to Exit Hate's mission and success?

I think volunteers, especially volunteers who are formers, are able to not only build capacity for the organisation to reach more people, but more importantly can build the caring, human connection that is part of the antidote to deradicalisation. Having volunteers who care, who get it, and ultimately want the best for people shows others that another way is possible, even if it's daunting. Volunteers are able to be champions and ambassadors, spreading awareness and doing some of that vital preventative work that can help people before they get in too deep.

As a member of Exit Hate, what specific contributions are you personally making to the effort to combat and reduce extremism

By being part of Exit Hate, I have already started having more conversations in my personal life with people about the ERW and the need for supported and compassionate routes out. I think this awareness and openness breaks some of the taboo around talking about this, and hopefully means that people can seek out help if and when they need it. I've also started attending the peer support groups and learning from service users, as well as starting to write articles to spread awareness around relevant topics such as the weaponisation of VAWG (violence against women and girls) in the far right.

Selina

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What initially drew you to Exit Hate?

I’ve spent a lot of time studying polarisation, nationalism, and far-right extremism, and through that, I became very aware that extremism does not just exist at a political level. It affects real people and real lives. Growing up in a small town, I also saw how some of my peers were drawn into extremist circles, which made it feel much more immediate and personal to me. When I came across Exit Hate, what stood out was that it does not just analyse the problem. It actively supports people who want to leave extremist environments. That felt both meaningful and necessary.

What motivated your decision to volunteer with Exit Hate?

I strongly believe that no one is beyond help, and that change is possible when people are given the right support. In a time where a lot of people feel isolated or pushed to the margins, extremism can fill that gap. I wanted to be part of something that offers an alternative, something that helps people reconnect in a healthier and more constructive way.

In what ways is the support and commitment of volunteers essential to Exit Hate's mission and success?

I think volunteers are essential because they show that this work isn’t just institutional; it’s human. Tackling extremism isn’t something that can be done by one organisation alone. It requires people who are willing to give their time, energy, and empathy. Volunteers at Exit Hate help build trust, extend the organisation’s reach, and demonstrate that there are people who genuinely care.

As a member of Exit Hate, what specific contributions are you personally making to the effort to combat and reduce extremism?

As a volunteer, I try to contribute by bringing both my academic understanding and a willingness to listen without judgement. I think it’s important to engage with people as individuals, not just as ideas or labels. Beyond that, I aim to support the organisation however I can, whether that is through sharing knowledge, contributing to discussions, or helping raise awareness of the work being done.

Rose

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What initially drew you to Exit Hate?

I attended a training session delivered by Small Steps, an Exit Hate partner at my daughter’s school. During this session, we learned about how the extreme right- wing groom vulnerable people and radicalise them. I was shocked and horrified about how young children were being targeted on mainstream gaming platforms. I hadn’t realised how organised and sophisticated the tactics used to recruit people are, and how easily people can be exposed to extremist material online.

What motivated your decision to volunteer with Exit Hate?

After the training course I felt inspired by the work Exit Hate carry out and wanted to do something to help. I am deeply concerned about the division and intolerance in our society. and the rise of extremism and am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with Exit Hate.

In what ways is the support and commitment of volunteers essential to Exit Hate’s mission and success?

There is so much work that Exit Hate do, and the support of volunteers helps to manage the workload. Everyone who volunteers brings their own set of skills and can help support the work in different ways.

As a member of Exit Hate, what specific contributions are you personally making to the effort to combat and reduce extremism?

I have taken part in a podcast for Exit Hate and have just finished writing an article about how the extreme right-wing target autistic and neurodiverse individuals. My next project will be working on another article about tactics used by extremist groups to manipulate and groom people. Using the training resources and videos provided to volunteers by Exit Hate, and by joining Teams meetings which support families of those involved, I hope to expand my knowledge and skills, so that I can make meaningful and helpful contributions.

Sophie

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Why do you support Ext Hate?

What draws me to Exit Hate UK is my shock and deep concern about the rise of far-right and the manner in which the fears of its followers are exploited by influential politicians and billionaires. Rather than sigh and do nothing, I decided that I needed to find a way to counter-act their influence. I had read the evidence that the far-right has been successfully challenged when its supporters are given correct information.

What I respect about Exit Hate is that it began at a grassroots level, with people like a mother I spoke to. Her son had been influenced by the ideology of the far right. Her courage in challenging the rhetoric of the far-right and her commitment to helping others who want to sever links with them cannot be under-estimated.

Have you ever experienced or saw racism yourself?

As a person of colour, I have had numerous experiences of racism.

Living on a council estate, I sometimes hear expressions and attitudes that are overtly racist. I believe that racism stems from misguided perceptions and fears and a sense of grievance that arises from deep inequality.

As mentioned above, there is evidence that demonstrates attitudes can change when people's fears are addressed and the lies perpetuated by the far-right are exposed.

Clearly, we have limited powers to change the economic strategy of governments, however, we can make a difference through personal contact. I would hope that I can help someone involved in far-right politics to understand what lies behind their fears and to gain insight into the complexities of global migration, in particular, how it contributes to the extreme hardship faced by migrants.

How important are volunteers?

Volunteers are an asset to any organisation like Exit Hate, for we bring our lived experiences and our coping strategies.

Some of us are likely to have had contact with people with extreme views, regarding immigration, in our communities. Since volunteers are not seen as figures of authority, we come across as less threatening and more relatable.

How can people help Exit Hate?

I believe that my experience of challenging racism in conversations has given me the confidence to overcome my reluctance to remain silent.

I would like to add that I do not consider people to be innately bad.

Laura

Exit Hate would like to thank all our volunteers, for their responses and really value your support & trust.

Reducing extremism, one act of kindness at a time – Exit Hate