Prevent

Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 states that local authorities are deemed as specified authorities and as such are responsible for the implementation of the Prevent Duty - “in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
 

What is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the national counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. Prevent aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and extremism.

This includes:

•    Challenging ideology - All terrorist groups have an ideology and frequently use the internet to air their views

•    Supporting vulnerable people - Radicalisation is a process, not one event and during that process it is possible to intervene and safeguard the vulnerable.

•    Working with key sectors - A wide range of agencies are working to help deliver Prevent, including education, health, faith, criminal justice and charities.

Please refer to the Home Office website for additional information on the Prevent Duty. 

Further information:

If you have any concerns please visit the ACT Early website to find out more about the signs that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

There is also a range of telephone numbers for members of the public who are concerned about individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism:

•    Police Prevent team website 

• Staffordshire Police call 101

•    If it’s an emergency please call 999

•    National Police Prevent advice line call 0800 011 3764
 

What is Channel

Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme, which offers help and guidance to people who may be at risk of being draw in to terrorism.

Whilst there is no single profile of a person susceptible to grooming by extremists, organisations often try to recruit people who are easily influenced or vulnerable, both in person and online. Channel works to protect vulnerable people from becoming involved in extremist-related activity by:

•    identifying those most at risk

•    assessing the nature and extent of that risk

•    developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned

•    providing help with mental health, emotional and drug or alcohol abuse issues, as well as education and career advice

Early intervention is key and if the signs are spotted early and acted upon, it not only safeguards the person concerned, but also helps to protect those living and working in the county.

More information can be found on the Channel guidance