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Concerned about someone in your community?
Sometimes it's neighbours, coaches, colleagues, volunteers or other community members who notice when something feels different.
You may have noticed someone pulling away from others, becoming angrier than usual or becoming increasingly focused on certain influencers, online communities or belief systems.
These changes can happen for many reasons. They may be linked to:
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1
Stress
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2
Feeling disconnected
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3
Going through major life changes
Most people who explore strong or controversial ideas will never become violent.
However, sometimes these changes can be a sign that someone is being influenced by more harmful beliefs or messages.
When you know someone through your community, it can be difficult to know what role, if any, you should play.
You may be wondering whether to speak with the person, seek advice from someone you trust or simply keep an eye on things.
It isn't always easy to know what the right next step is.
You don't need to be certain. If something doesn't feel right, that's enough.
Step Together is a free support service where you can talk things through with a team member. You'll receive practical help and guidance without judgement.
It can be as simple as a conversation. If you would like more support, we can also help connect you with the services that are right for you.
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We are working to raise awareness and address the concepts surrounding Violent Extremism through community engagement. Community safety is our goal.
Community engagementWe are working to raise awareness and address the concepts surrounding Violent Extremism through community engagement. Community safety is our goal.
Transcript(Uplifting acoustic music plays. The video opens with a scene of people an RUOK? Day expo with market umbrellas and colourful gazebos)
Text over moving image: "Community Engagement Helping Counter Violent Extremism"
Montage of exhibitor and attendee close ups.
Speaker 1 voice over: We have to work together to provide the option for a better pathway and a future.
Speaker 1 piece to camera: Our community engagement work that we do right across Australia is about more than just raising awareness for our intervention programs.
(Cut to montage footage of Step Together stall with close ups of merchandise and brochures and Step Together staff talking to patrons and open day entertainment with guitar.)
Speaker 1 voice over: It's also about educating our communities on exactly what violent extremism is. And this in turn helps to demystify the concepts and stigmas surrounding it.
We're really trying to debunk that head in the sand mentality or mindset where people think we don't have that around here. This isn't happening in our area when we in fact know that it is. And equally in the regional areas, as in the metro areas.
(Cut to montage footage of Step Together community engagement presentation to stakeholders and university campus staff. Attendees nod in interest and engage with the QR code function on their phones to actively participate.)
Speaker 1 voice over: What we're seeing is vulnerable people and especially vulnerable youth. They've come from troubled homes, experienced trauma, normalised violence in the home.
There's a multitude of needs that have to be addressed, and they're really seeking that connection or that sense of belonging. And we have to work together to provide the option for a better pathway and a future working together towards a safer community.
(Cut to montage of exhibitor stalls and RUOK? Day bunting, presentation participants looking at our Step Together and ESP brochures, Step Together staff greeting attendees and shaking hands. Cut to other stakeholder stall holders at the event, people walking and interacting with stalls.)
Speaker 1 voice over: We travel all over New South Wales, connecting with local communities and services to bridge the gap and inform parents, support workers, educators and practitioners about the vulnerabilities of violent extremism.
We are happy to come and talk to you. We need to start communicating and be more aware. We need to know and understand the signs and to know the supports available in this space.
Speaker 1 piece to camera: As a community, collectively, we really need to just start the conversation.
(Fade to black screen. Government crest logo bottom left of screen.)
Text on Screen: Contact Step Together on 1800 203 966
steptogether.gov.au
contact@steptogether.gov.au
End of transcript.
*Step Together Helpline and online chat is not available on national public holidays.
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Find out more
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Ideas you can share to help those in your life to build cross cultural understanding.
Advice and support
If you would like further advice and support on how best to help someone you care about, contact our Step Together team members.
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