Advice for Families

Concerned about a family member or loved one? ACT Early

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker we can protect the person you care about from being groomed and exploited by extremists.

We know that families and friends are often the first to know when something’s not right and can spot worrying behaviour. We also know it can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried a loved one is expressing extreme views or hatred that could lead to them harming themselves or others. It’s important, however, that you trust your instincts and tell us your concerns in confidence so we can help.

Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work alongside other organisations through a Home Office programme called Prevent to help people vulnerable to radicalisation move away from violent extremism. We are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.

Working alongside our partner agencies the police have helped many people who may be at risk of radicalisation. Depending on the situation, we might reach out to other organisations we work with to put the right support in place – this could be support from a doctor, through a school or with a local community group or mentor.

You can find out more by visiting our safeguarding website ACT Early where you can find signs to spot, case studies, other partner organisations who can offer support and how to share concerns with the police. The website is supported by a national police Prevent advice line, where families and friends can seek help and support in confidence from specialist Counter Terrorism officers.

We can help if you act early. You won’t be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.

To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit ACT Early.