Prevent
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 placed a duty on specific authorities including local authorities, police, education and health to have ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ and to address this with a proportionate response.
The Prevent strategy, 2011 is one element of the UK’s national counter-terrorism strategy.
It has three key objectives:
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To respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
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Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
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Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address
Prevent is about safeguarding our communities from the threat of terrorism by stopping people from supporting terrorism or becoming a terrorist themselves.
Anyone can make a Prevent referral if they have concerns about someone. When a referral is made, Prevent officers gather information to look at the context surrounding concerning behaviour changes and conduct a vulnerability assessment. In most cases, referrals are signposted to other services, but if it is recognised that there is an ideology present, capability or intent to act then they may be put forward for support from Channel.
What is Channel?
Channel is a multi-agency panel consisting of professionals from services in contact with the individual of concern. This will include a chair from the local authority and a Prevent police representative. Participation in Channel is voluntary and confidential. If consent is obtained, the panel look at risk and protective factors and how support can be provided to build resilience and divert them from being drawn into terrorism. Progress is monitored monthly and when it is agreed the individual has no further terrorism related concerns they will leave the programme. 6 and 12 month reviews are carried out following channel closure to review progress.
Support is provided via Channel from services including, but not limited to:\
Mental health
Education
Housing
Substance misuse services
Adult and children’s social care
Home Office intervention providers
Mentoring services
Community policing
Diversionary activities such as sport and activity clubs
While Wiltshire is considered a low risk area, it is important to be aware of vulnerabilities in people we know and meet and that advice is sought if there are concerns.
Spotting the Signs
There are many factors that could make someone vulnerable to radicalisation including:
Feelings of grievance and injustice
Being at a transitional time of life
Experiencing a traumatic event
A desire for political or moral change
Struggling with a sense of identity, meaning and belonging or questioning their place in society
A desire for status
Being influenced or controlled by a group
Experiencing racism or discrimination
What if I have a concern?
There are several ways you can seek advice:
Speak to the Brunel College Designated Safeguarding Lead
Call 101 and state you would like some advice or make a Prevent referral
If you see or hear something that could be terrorist related call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321
If you require urgent police assistance dial 999
Email: channelsw@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk
It is crucial to note that Prevent is a supportive space and does not get people in trouble or criminalise them. It is about safeguarding them from the impact of extremism and radicalisation.
Useful resources
Lets Talk About It provides a greater understanding of the support Prevent can offer, by highlighting issues and initiating discussions around the potential threats we face as a community, we can create greater understanding and wider awareness.
Educate Against Hate gives teachers, parents and school leaders practical advice and information on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.