Why should I call ACT Early?

This article will explain the ACT EARLY initiative and detail the benefits it offers to parents and loved ones who are concerned that someone they know may be involved in extremism or exhibiting extremist ideologies.

For parents, family, friends and loved ones, it can be particularly challenging when trying to navigate these difficulties, and it often results with negative and destructive consequences.

It is during these difficult and turbulent times, particularly those marked by relationship conflicts and deep volatility within the home, when parents and loved ones need help and advice the most.

These challenging periods might follow a severe argument or dispute, or they may coincide with times of civil unrest and unease.

ACT Early is a resource for family members, loved ones and friends to get help, support  and advice for any situation or concerns relating to radicalisation and extremism at any time of the day or night.

What is ACT Early?

ACT Early is a UK-based Counter Terrorism Policing initiative with a website and advice line (0800 011 3764) to help friends, family, and professionals recognize signs of vulnerability to radicalisation and extremism and know how to act early to get support, working with local authorities and community groups to guide people toward positive pathways before situations escalate, all within the Prevent programme, ensuring confidential, voluntary help through specially trained officers.

How ACT Early Works

1. Spot the Signs: The website provides information on what to look for, such as a person feeling angry, isolated, blaming others, expressing intolerance, or adopting rigid views, which can indicate they are being groomed by extremists, especially online.

2. Act Early: Friends and family are encouraged to trust their instincts and share concerns, knowing they won't be wasting police time, but might save lives, notes Counter Terrorism Policing and the GOV.UK website.

3. Seek Help: You can call the national Police Prevent Advice Line (0800 011 3764) or use the actearly.uk website to share concerns confidentially with specially trained Prevent officers.

4. Receive Support: Officers assess the concerns and, if needed, connect the individual with local support services and partners (like schools, health, charities, and community groups) through the Channel process, part of the Prevent programme, to provide tailored help and guide them away from extremism.

   
   

Key Takeaway

ACT Early emphasises early intervention within the Prevent programme, offering a confidential way for the public to get help for vulnerable individuals before they are drawn into terrorism or harmful extremist ideologies, with support being voluntary and non-criminal.

What to expect when engaging with ACT Early.

When engaging with ACT Early (Action Counters Terrorism), expect a confidential, non-judgmental listening process where they assess concerns about radicalisation, offering voluntary support, potentially linking with partners (schools, health) to provide positive redirection and help people away from extremism, rather than treating them as criminals. You'll share your worries, they'll ask questions, and then work to find the right support, which could involve programmes like Channel, focusing on safeguarding and helping individuals find new paths, as shown in real stories.

What Happens When You Contact ACT Early:

1. Initial Contact: You can call the Support Line (staffed daily) or contact them online to share your concerns in confidence.

2. Listening & Assessment: Specially trained officers will listen carefully, asking about the person and your worries (name, age, relationship). You don't have to give your name, but it helps them offer more support.

3. No Wasted Time: They emphasize that contacting them early is better and you won't be wasting their time.

4. Focus on Support: Their goal is to help people move away from extremism before it escalates, not to treat them as suspects.

The Support Process (If Concerns Are Valid):

1. Referral Review: Local police review the referral for immediate threats and genuine risk.

2. Expert Panel: If risk is identified, a panel (local authority, police, health, education) assesses the situation.

3. Voluntary Programme: The person may be invited to the voluntary Channel programme, involving specialist mentors and support to redirect interests (e.g., through apprenticeships, new activities).

4. Partnerships: They work with schools, doctors, community groups, and other organisations to put the right support in place.

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Key Takeaway:

Act Early is about safeguarding vulnerable people from extremist influences by providing early intervention and positive alternatives, ensuring help is voluntary and confidential.

The ACT Early website and what you will find : ACT Early

The ACT Early website offers a wealth of valuable information for a variety of people, including loved ones, families and friends.

Below includes just some of the information that you can expect to find.

●      What is radicalisation? | ACT Early - This section offers a clear overview and explanation of what radicalisation and extremism means.

●      What are the signs of radicalisation? | ACT Early - This includes information on behavioral changes, isolation, and other indicators that someone might be vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

●      Why you should tell us your concerns | ACT Early - This includes advice on how to act on and trust your instincts and share your concerns, you won't be wasting police time and reports are confidential.

●      Tips for talking about radicalisation | ACT Early - This includes  information and advice on how to navigate difficult and challenging conversations.

●      Real stories | ACT Early - Real Stories: Personal accounts from individuals and families who have used the service, showing how support helped redirect loved ones.

●      Staying safe online | ACT Early - Advice and guidance for keeping yourself and others safe online.

●      How to Get Help: Guidance on how to report concerns to the police confidentially via the Prevent Advice Line(0800 011 3764) or online, and details about the support available through the Prevent programme.

Key Takeaway:

The Act Early website offers practical advice and support resources and encourages people to trust their instincts and report concerns early, emphasizing that seeking help through Prevent is a voluntary process designed to support vulnerable individuals away from hatred and violence. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Sarah – Exit Family Support