Alexandra Stein, Ph.D. is a writer and educator specializing in the social psychology of ideological extremism and other dangerous social relationships. She is currently an Honorary Research Fellow at London South Bank University, and previously taught at Birkbeck, University of London. She teaches a course on Cults and Totalitarianism at the Mary Ward Centre. She is the author of two books: Inside Out: A memoir of entering and breaking out of a Minneapolis political cult (Grey Door, 2002) and Terror, Love and Brainwashing: Attachment in cults and totalitarian systems (Routledge, 2016).

We are excited to announce that Emrhys Cooper has agreed to become the first Ambassador of The Family Survival Trust.

Emrhys is an accomplished actor, writer and director, best known in the UK for portraying cult leader Rowan Cunliffe on Coronation Street. The storyline, which realistically depicted the gradual psychological grooming and coercive tactics used to draw vulnerable individuals into “The Institute,” brought issues of coercive control and cultic abuse into mainstream conversation, attracting significant national press attention and public discussion.

Alongside his television work, Emrhys wrote and directed in the feature film The Shuroo Process, further exploring themes of manipulation, identity and high-control environments. He brings to this role not only creative insight and influence, but also personal understanding of the long-term impact coercive control can have on individuals and families.

As Ambassador, Emrhys will support The Family Survival Trust in raising awareness of coercive control and cultic behaviour, helping to educate the public, amplify lived experience, and advocate for meaningful cultural and policy change. His ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues to wide audiences will play an important role in extending our reach across the UK and beyond.

We are deeply grateful for his support and look forward to working together to drive lasting change.

Jacky graduated as a dental therapist in her mid thirties and went on to complete a Masters Degree in Dental Law and Ethics. She was born and raised in the Exclusive Brethren (now known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church) who do not condone higher education. It was only leaving this group that enabled the progression of studying. For the past 10 years Jacky has been active in raising awareness of the harm caused by cults and in supporting members who want to leave such groups.

Jude supports the charity’s work through her role as a trustee and treasurer. With personal experience of high-control groups, she assists lawyers on related cases, conducts historical research, supports victims, and helps share information and build connections within the field. She is also involved with the National Working Group against Spiritual and Religious Abuse (NWG SARA) and engages in awareness-raising activities online.

Naomi has a career spanning major organisations including Coca-Cola and, most extensively, the NHS. With a strong background in corporate governance and organisational development, she has held senior roles, including Chief of Staff at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, and now works with NHS boards to support challenged teams nationwide.

Naomi is a committed advocate for cult education and survivor support. Having grown up in the Jesus Army/Jesus Fellowship, she co-founded the Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association in her 30s, and for the past decade has been actively involved in raising awareness, campaigning for justice, and supporting those affected by high-control groups.

Steven Norcliffe has a degree in Mechanical Engineering graduating in 1982; he lived in the UK, Germany and South Africa during his working career. For the first 12 years of his career he worked on the commissioning and design of power stations. After this he moved to a career in construction underwriting, managing teams of insurance underwriters in London, Europe, the USA and Asia.

He became personally aware of the destructive power of cults when a family member started living with him during the long road to recovery. He has built up a general knowledge of cult indoctrination and a more specific knowledge of the methods used by religious cults. He is acutely aware of the difficulties in getting the NHS and social services to help cult victims, as well as the difficulties in making complaints about UK based cults. He retired in 2018 and lives with his wife in a small village in Cumbria, he enjoys walking, cooking and socialising with friends and neighbours.

Kacey holds a Master’s degree in the Psychology of Coercive Control and specialises in the impact of coercive and controlling environments on individuals and families. Her work focuses on survivor advocacy, education, and increasing public awareness of the tactics used by manipulative groups.

Through her efforts as an expert witness and her research, media work, and collaboration with professionals in the field, Kacey contributes to wider conversations around cultic abuse, recovery and prevention. As a trustee of the Family Survival Trust, she supports the charity’s mission to educate the public about coercive control, to expand on existing laws, and to support those affected by high-control groups.