Conspiracy theories, misinformation and extremism online is a growing concern to governments. Extreme political narratives have been rising across Europe and these narratives influence mainstream political discourses and policies. This is having a direct impact on perceptions of democratic institutions, trust in science, and leads to calls for direct action (Jan 6th incursion in USA) to overthrow or disrupt democratically elected governments. Those in middle age (45-65) may be both susceptible to extremist narratives and also influential as decision-makers. This group is under-researched, but the impact of them being drawn into extremist content may have significant consequences on political discourse, democratic processes and institutions. SMIDGE will analyse the various forms of extremist discourses and narratives across Europe through social network analysis, textual and content analysis of extremist discourse, and will consider national and demographic specifics through survey, focus groups and interviews in 6 countries (UK, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Kosovo, Cyprus). From this in-depth examination of the current state of the art, SMIDGE will produce counter-narratives, education and training resources aimed at promoting reflexivity, alongside multi-level policy recommendations and evidence-based tools and training for journalists and security professionals. The counter-content will be created through collaboration with stakeholders during co-creation exercises in the focus groups. SMIDGE takes the theory of responsible research and innovation (RRI) as its core conceptual approach to ensure that the project adheres to the highest ethical and quality standards. The outputs from SMIDGE will provide evidence-based content, tools and resources that will directly help to counter extremist narratives from multiple perspectives, thereby providing greater understanding of the specificities and characteristics of those in middle-age and their vulnerability to extremism online.

According to the Radicalisation Awareness Network, “fighting terrorism and violent extremism involves more than surveillance and security….The most effective prevention strategies stop people from getting involved in violent extremism or acts of terrorism in the first place”.When we speak about extreme militant groups such as ISIS,their main target is thought to be young people between 16–24 years old;however, the radicalisation and indoctrination process may start at 11-12 years old. Security officials and analysts in the U.K. believe that, many times, far-right extremists are inspired from Islamist militant and terror groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda;and they form their nationalist ideology around those groups, while they use online platforms and social media to spread it.This suggests that the need to combat radicalisation lies in the grassroots of education and knowledge at an early age.It is crucial that disenfranchised and vulnerable young people, and “easy targets”, are supported and guided to identify and stop such process,and that they are offered the necessary tools to do so. Target group: Young people, youth workers, youth organisations, social workers, front-line practitioners, trainers, educators. The participants in the project will be:1)Researchers, project and financial managers involved in the project as staff. 2)Young people, youth organisations, youth workers, youth professionals, social workers, front-line practitioners3)They will be invited to take part in the Multiplier Events and the Final Conference4)Other participants: This category includes participants such as media representatives, NGO representatives, EU VIPs etc.The project RADEX aims to prevent and divert young people’s radicalisation through providing the target groups with the following results:•The capacity and power to identify and comprehend different types of online radicalisation processes aiming at youth, by offering them a full suite of educational resources containing real data and information on youth radicalisation processes.•A simulation video to showcase how,when and where different types of radicalisation processes may take place, their subject matter, based on real data and online research investigations and spread of hate-propaganda.•A Digital Alert Tool aimed at disenfranchised youth.The digital alert will be available and used as a “rescue line” for young people who may feel as subjects to radicalisation processes, which will offer support and guidance.Initially, the tool can be used as a game,guiding young people through the process of exploring whether they (or another person) is being radicalised or not. Objectives:•Prevent and divert violent radicalisation and extremism of young people•Provide the target groups the tools and knowledge to detect the radicalisation process,online and offline•Provide the target groups the knowledge to identify radicalised and extremist behaviour and different radicalisation processes•Provide for a full suite of educational resources on radicalisation and extremism•Provide for a digital alert for disenfranchised youth that will serve as a tool to detect radicalisation processes•Raise awareness among local, national and EU actors on youth radicalisation processes and patterns•Address emerging social and ethical challenges and foster a culture of peaceAccordingly, RADEX will:•Enhance young people’s critical thinking•Improve vigilance and alertness of young people, online and offline, and educate the target group on approaching such topics and young people that are vulnerable to radicalisation•Enhance young people’s pro-activeness in online social communication and behaviour•Raise awareness of young people and youth workers on critical matters such as online safety•Provide for educational resources and a tool to prevent and divert violent radicalisation which will be used by young people, youth workers, social workers, trainers, youth organisations etc. All the above will be achieved through three IOs,which will strengthen young people and youth worker’s awareness and vigilance regarding online platforms, as well as raise awareness among local, national and European networks to prevent and divert youth radicalisation in Europe.RADEX will make an impact on countering, preventing and diverting violent radicalisation, as it will equip young people, youth workers, social workers, youth organisations with the tools needed to identify patterns, methods, and different processes of youth radicalisation and a digital tool to prevent and/or divert it, when it happens. RADEX will also enhance young people’s critical thinking and improve vigilance and alertness of young people, online and offline, and teach youth workers, social workers, youth organisations etc., how to approach such topics.

<< Objectives >>The general aim of the project is to develop the knowledge, skills and professional competencies of experts working in the field of psychology about providing psychological support to refugees and asylum seekers.The specific objectives are:-determining needs and digital transition characteristics of the psychological counseling industry and good practices-creating a network between experts or professionals-developing digital tools for experts working in the field of psychology with refugee<< Implementation >>-An international network of professionals working with refugees in different types of organisations and countries will be established-Needs analysis template to define the requirements will be prepared-Self-assessment tools will be cerated-A Guide for Psychiatry industry professionals and candidates will be developed-A training and therapy web platform and tools (simple-practical with Chatbot) will be developed for professionals in EU.-A Learning and Multiplier Event will be organized<< Results >>With implementing planned activities, in mid and long term it is expected:- establishing sustainable psychological support services- digitalised materials for VET people of psychology sector- an expert network working with refugees and more engaged institutions- supporting the individuals to reduce the consequences of highly stressful and traumatic experiences- facilitating the people cope with the stressful integration process and with their own individual trauma and stresses