Families Against Stress and Trauma

This article is part of the Counter-Terrorism Portal project of Spinwatch.

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Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST) describes itself as an 'independent' 'UK based organisation providing support to vulnerable families and individuals', designed to discourage young people from travelling to Syria, Iraq or being radicalised. The organisation was set up in 2007 and only registered at Companies House in May 2009.

In July 2014, former home secretary Theresa May endorsed the 'Families Matter' campaign led by FAST, saying:

'This campaign addresses one of the most significant issues facing communities up and down Britain – the extremely damaging effect of young people choosing to travel to Syria and now Iraq.

While many may be motivated by a desire to help the country, the result and impact on these people, their families and often on the communities they are trying to support is very destructive indeed.'

'Product of the RICU'

An official document uncovered by Powerbase in 2016 (Prevent Strategy - Local Delivery Best Practice Catalogue) and produced by the Office of Security and Counter Terrorism in the UK Home Office revealed that FAST had received undisclosed funding from the Research Information and Communication Unit (RCIU), under the Prevent programme.

The document label FAST part of the so called 'national counter narrative', which appear to acknowledge the organisation was part of a British government covert propaganda strategy and directed by the Home Office’s strategic communications agency.

Directors and staff

FAST currently has four directors:

• Saleha Jaffer

In a 2014 register of interest deceleration, Jaffer was listed as a 'vocational employee' at the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT), raising questions about the organisation's independence.