00:04Hi, I would like to speak to you as a parent who understands what you are going through.
00:09I am the mother of a former member of the extreme right wing.
00:13My son was radicalised online by strangers who managed to take my son and almost destroy
00:20both of our lives.
00:21During that horrific time, although I did not share my son's views, I still felt a
00:27deep sense of judgement from others and shame over the person that my son had become.
00:32I was terrified that not only was he destroying his life and future, but I was also afraid that
00:38he would get into serious trouble with the authorities.
00:41I tried my best to manage the situation on my own.
00:44I talked to him, reasoned with him, asked family and friends to intervene and even tried punishment.
00:51All that this achieved was further destruction of my relationship with him and him becoming
00:56more reliant and dependent than ever on the extremist groups that he had become involved
01:02in.
01:03Looking back, I knew I needed help, but my fear of getting him into trouble prevented me from
01:09reaching out.
01:10What I didn't realise then, but understand now, is that this decision not only enabled him,
01:17but also encouraged my son's involvement and put him at a greater risk.
01:23I have learned since my son left that there is so much support for parents, families and
01:29loved ones that are involved in extremism.
01:32GPs and health services can help support you with the mental and physical trauma that
01:39is often experienced with a loved one involved in extremism.
01:42Engaging with these services, I know now can help improve your wellbeing, which will put you
01:48in a better position to be able to support your loved one. Specialist programmes like Act
01:53Early and Prevent can offer you and your loved one guidance and support to help to reduce their
01:59extremist views, and they can also signpost you to additional local support.
02:05If you or someone that you know has concerns about a loved one, then please reach out for support.
02:11If you are not, you are not alone.
