What is Prevent?

Terrorism has a devastating impact on victims, their families and communities. Many lives have been lost to terrorist attacks in the UK, and even more people have been injured.

Prevent is a national programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that people who are susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions, and communities are protected against radicalising influences.

Prevent is a safety net against radicalisation. It aims to intervene early, to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent deals with all terrorist ideologies, from Islamist to Extreme Right-Wing. Prevent is delivered at a local level by experts who understand the risks in their communities. Partners include local authorities, police, education, healthcare and charities. For people who are susceptible to radicalisation, Prevent can provide personalised interventions to help them move away from dangerous ideologies.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation can happen when a person develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities. There are many ways that a person could become radicalised, and people can become exposed to radicalising influences in-person, or online. A person’s susceptibility to radicalisation may be linked to their vulnerability. A person can be vulnerable if they need special care, support or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse, or neglect.

Common signs of radicalisation may include:

• Accessing extremist content online or downloading propaganda material.
• Justifying the use of violence to solve societal issues.
• Altering their style of dress or appearance to accord with an extremist group.
• Being unwilling to engage with people who they see as different.
• Using certain symbols associated with terrorist organisations.

If you are worried someone you know is being radicalised, visit the ACT Early website for advice. Anything you share will always be in confidence. Anyone who is being radicalised can be referred to Prevent and anyone can make a referral. Referring someone ensures they get the help they need to keep them and others safe.

The aim of the Prevent Duty

• Is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
• Prevent is a national safeguarding programme that supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through radicalisation.
• Prevent also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.

The objectives of Prevent Duty are to:

1. Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism. 
2. Intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation.
3. Enable people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

What is Channel and how does it support Prevent?

Channel is the safeguarding panel which supports Prevent. Led by the Local Authority, it is a programme which focuses on supporting people at an early stage who are identified as susceptible to being drawn into terrorism. It ensures people can receive support before they are exploited by those wanting them to embrace terrorist related activity.

It is a confidential and voluntary process where multi-agency safeguarding professionals meet to discuss support options. These support options encompass an array of different interventions, addressing educational, vocational, mental health, and other vulnerabilities. Ideological support is also common, which may include discussion with credible ideological experts and faith leaders.

To find out more, visit https://www.educateagainsthate.com/