As many as a dozen men from Waltham Forest and Redbridge could have become involved in the conflict in Syria, according to a charity fighting against extremism.

In recent months The Active Change Foundation, based in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, has been working to identify people who have travelled to Syria.

Outreach workers have confirmed that three men have left for the war zone by speaking to families within the Muslim community, and have identified nine more people who could be there.

Mike Jervis, strategic director for research and projects, said it was not yet clear why they had left the UK, but said most families denied they or their family members had any attachment to jihadist groups.

“We have an estimated figure of five to ten from Waltham Forest and two from Redbridge that have gone to Syria,” he said.

“I do not think they went out there with the intention of fighting, but something got them to the mindset where they thought that they needed to go and do something – to the point of travelling.

“Everybody that we have spoken to had no idea that their children were involved in any activity to do with Syria.

“I have not yet spoken to a family that believes that their child is fighting. Each one believes that they are delivering aid.

“It would be wrong for me to say that they are wrong.”

The group says it is using a prevention rather than cure method by using its young leaders to promote peace.

Dozens of young people from Waltham Forest and Redbridge are working to stop the spread of extremist ideologies.

Zara Qadir, 21, is a young leader who has been approached by radicals in Waltham Forest.

“They used to bring their material into schools and colleges. They would change their names and tactics each time but I recognise faces.

“They still do it but it is more discreet, they operate a lot in Ilford.”

Mr Jervis said: “We create a value chain – we do not have access to the individual ourselves, but the young people do.

“When someone says that they have been talking to someone online and they have heard these views, our young leaders can challenge them, and offer them a different perspective.”

The charity works with people who have been exposed to radicals, some as young as 15.

Last week, their new campaign #NotInMyName went global, with world leaders recognising it, including US president Barack Obama.

Young Muslims have been rejecting IS across social media sites stating that their actions are not in the name of Islam.

Miss Qadir said the support for the campaign has been ‘overwhelming’.

She added: “The campaign is about us all standing together and voicing our opinion as one.

“When the video went viral it was amazing. Both Muslims and non Muslims standing together, as a group against Isis.

“Isis does not represent Islam.”