Workshop to tackle radicalisation held in Hove

A workshop aiming to prevent radicalisation and extremism in Brighton and Hove was held in the city today (March 13).
Saleha Jaffer, founder of FAST SUS-170313-140018001Saleha Jaffer, founder of FAST SUS-170313-140018001
Saleha Jaffer, founder of FAST SUS-170313-140018001

Organisation Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST) held an event at Hove Town Hall as part of its Families Matter campaign, which aims to provide support and guidance to parents and anyone else concerned that their loved ones may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

The group supports vulnerable families and individuals whose lives have been affected by the trauma of losing loved ones to ‘hateful ideologies and groups’.

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This comes almost a year after a leaked document said there were 28 young people in Brighton and Hove who were at risk of radicalisation.

The Hove event today was attended by members of the local community of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, FAST said. Participants shared their own experiences and discussed the impact of radicalisation and possible signs to look out for.

Saleha Jaffer, founder of FAST said: “We want attendees to leave these sessions feeling empowered and aware of the resources, support and practical advice available to them if they are concerned about someone close to them.

“Family members know their loved ones better than anyone, and are best positioned to intervene if they have concerns a loved one is at risk of radicalisation. In equipping family members with the right knowledge and skills to reach out, the love of a mother, father, sister or brother can make a great difference.

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“The workshop today showcased the commitment and desire of the local community of Brighton to confront this difficult issue and, through discussion, we hope to build further resilience against radicalisation and extremism.”

FAST hopes that by using real life case studies and providing expert advice, that parents will feel empowered to intervene and stop radicalisation at its early stages.

As part of the campaign, FAST has visited several communities across the UK, to reach out to parents and families through a series of workshops, film screenings and one-to-one advice sessions.

For more information on FAST, visit: familiesmatter.org.uk