New helpline for North East parents worried about radicalisation
An anti-extremism project in Newcastle has welcomed a new NSPCC helpline for parents worried about terrorism.
Parents in the North East will be able to call a helpline from today, if they believe their child is being radicalised.
The launch of the free, 24-hour NSPCC service comes after a spate of recent terrorist attacks which have highlighted the growing problem of individuals being influenced by extremism.
Previously, the only route for adults to raise their worries about radicalisation and terrorism was through Government agencies including MI5 and police anti-terror hotlines.
The NSPCC has already started receiving calls from adults worried about the problem, which prompted the children’s charity to offer advice and help.
Its counsellors have been trained to spot the warning signs of radicalisation so they can advise adults who are worried about a child being groomed.
Part of the training, which detailed how recruiters befriend vulnerable targets, feed them ideologies and -in the worst case scenario - persuade them to commit terrorist attacks, was provided by Home Office experts.
The charity claims children who are potential targets often have low self-esteem, are members of gangs, or may be victims of bullying or discrimination. Radicals target them and tell them they can be part of something special, and brainwash them into cutting themselves off from their friends and family.
The techniques used to groom children for radicalisation bears parallels to sexual abuse grooming, and is a form of emotional abuse.
Counsellors will also advise parents on how to talk and reassure a child who is anxious about terrorism or upset by the recent spate of attacks.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said:
“We have seen a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks and months and both parents and children tell us how frightened they are by what is happening. So it is vital that we are here for parents when they need our support and are able to provide them with non-judgemental advice on issues ranging from the wider terrorist threat to the dangers of radicalisation.”
“When young people are groomed for extremist purposes and encouraged to commit acts that could hurt themselves or others, then it becomes abuse. That’s why we’ve trained our counsellors to cope with this fresh danger to young people.”
It’s gained support from the Anti-Radicalisation Mentoring & Awareness Network (AMAN) project, based in Newcastle.
Dr Ali Mehmood said:
“Extremism and racialisation IS present in certain parts of the North East. It should not be ignored.
“I think the NSPCC will need to reach out to people. I don’t think people will just come forward and use this service. It is going to be a slow process, it will take time, its’ not something that will happen overnight but I’m sure that together we can achieve a lot.”
Adults can ring the helpline on 0808 800 5000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.