Prevent
Prevent is part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy
The role of our Prevent Team officers is to provide practical support to tackle the problem of terrorism and extremism at its roots and prevent vulnerable people and communities from being drawn into terrorism. This includes far-right extremism and some aspects of non-violent extremism.
We work with a range of partners including:
- local authorities
- schools and colleges
- faith leaders
- community groups, including women’s groups and youth groups
- voluntary services
Find out more about the Prevent strategy.
How you can help
The journey to becoming radicalised is different for everyone and there are many reasons why a person becomes vulnerable.
If you’re worried that any of your friends, neighbours or relatives is at risk of getting involved in terrorism or extremism, there are signs to look out for. These include someone who:
- is at a transitional phase in their life, perhaps leaving or starting college, or changing jobs
- is looking to find an identity, a sense of belonging, status or excitement
- is susceptible to being influenced or controlled, or wants to dominate others
- has a sense of grievance, injustice or who feels under threat
- has an emotional desire for political or moral change
- is secretive about social networking contacts
Tell us about your concerns
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and tell us your concerns in confidence.
We can help if you act early. You won't be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit actearly.uk
If you have a Prevent concern about someone please send this referral form to: [email protected]. If it's an emergency, please call 999.
Or you can call anonymously on 0800 789 321.
If you see online material promoting terrorism or extremism, you can report it online.
Raise awareness of Prevent at community events
Our Prevent team works with local communities to raise awareness of Prevent.
You can speak to your local policing team or your local council community team about helping run local events about Prevent.
We’ll attend your event to make sure our communities understand the work we’re doing and have a say in the way we do it.
We’ll tell you more about the signs and behavioural changes to look out for in someone who might be becoming involved in terrorism or extremism and explain who might be at risk.
What happens next
Anyone who’s referred to the Prevent team is assessed by the police and local authority to see if they’re suitable for Channel, the specialist support scheme.
The scheme includes things like theological or ideological mentoring, help with mental health, drug or alcohol abuse issues, as well as education and career advice.
More about Prevent
Prevent isn’t about spying on our communities. It isn’t targeted at religion – extremists can come from any background. It’s not about blame. There’s no hidden agenda to criminalise any individual or to target any community or group.
