A new Bradford Council scheme to help mothers to protect their children against radicalisation and grooming will end with an award ceremony at City Hall.
The Mothers Against Radicalisation project is funded by the Council through the Home Office Prevent programme.
The four-week training course was designed to educate and empower mothers to stand up to the dangers of their children being led into extremist behaviour.
Around 60 participants were exposed to both Islamist and Far Right extremist narratives, exploring what makes young people vulnerable and how best to protect them.
The scheme was run by the Bradford-based organisation Empowering Minds in partnership with the Council and West Yorkshire Police. It will conclude on Monday, 12 March with an awards ceremony at City Hall.
Coun Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Mothers are in a unique position to know what is going on in their children’s lives and this training course will give them an extra insight to help protect them against malign influences from various sources, including the internet.
“In some situations, close family members can feel helpless in the face of radicalisation so we hope this course has given mothers the skills they need to keep their children safe.”
One of the mothers who took part said: “We were able to be open to discussions from woman of different cultures and religions, helping each other to understand the issues young people face”
Sofia Mahmood, Founder and Director at Empowering Minds, said: “Mothers Against Radicalisation provides mothers with a safe space to be able to hold difficult conversations without feeling judged or intimidated.
“Extremists don’t come from one religion or background and this course exemplified that, empowering individuals to stand up to radicalisation and grooming in all its forms.
“We hope that the open and encouraging atmosphere has left mothers who took part feeling equipped and supported in safeguarding their children.”
Police Inspector Kevin Taylor said: “Bradford District Police are proud to have been associated with Empowering Minds and to have worked closely with Sophia Mahmood to help deliver this project.
“PC Fiz Ahmed from the Stronger Communities team supported the project by delivering inputs on the general role of the Police and how to report a crime. This innovative course brings together women from all sections of the community and offers a safe space to learn and grow together.”
