Prevent is one of the four strands of the government’s Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
While Prevent is a national strategy, it is delivered by your local authority.
The Prevent Team works to safeguard and supports people who are vulnerable to radicalisation through:
- training frontline staff in recognising, referring and responding to radicalisation
- commissioning projects to build capacity, increase resilience and improve understanding of extremism and radicalisation with partners such as schools, colleges, frontline staff, community groups, venues and parents
- a referral service for concerns, which acts as an early intervention service to safeguard vulnerable individuals from radicalisation
And delivering community projects to:
- raise awareness about issues in the community
- build resilience within local communities and
- provide information about what to do if you are concerned about someone who is vulnerable to radicalisation or you think is being radicalised.
What is Channel
Channel is simply a safeguarding process which aims to prevent children and adults from being drawn into violent extremism or becoming involved in terrorist related activity. It is voluntary and works with the consent of the vulnerable person or if appropriate, their parents.
The Channel process aims to:
- identify individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism
- assess the nature and extent of that risk
- develop the most appropriate support plan for the individual concerned
Channel in Bedfordshire is led by the Local Authority, where referrals to Channel are assessed by a multi-agency panel consisting of the local authority, Police, health and education professionals and other meet to discuss support options.
These support options include a range of different interventions, addressing ideological, educational, vocational, mental health, and other vulnerabilities:
Concerns and referrals
If you have any questions or concerns or you want to find out more how to help someone close to you visit Actearly.
If you're worried about someone you can call the national police Prevent advice line in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers.
Telephone: 0800 011 3764
This advice line is available every day 9am to 5pm. Calls outside of these hours will be transferred to specialist Counter Terrorism officers.
For more information visit Bedfordshire Police website - Terrorism in the UK
You can also call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline to report anything
Telephone: 0800 789 321
If you're a member of public sector staff such as a teacher, GP, police officer or social worker we encourage you to continue to use your designated safeguarding route to make referrals to Prevent or seek further advice.
The advice line is designed for members of the public to use, especially friends and family, or those who work with vulnerable or young people in volunteering roles. Remember in an emergency always call 999.
Referral form
If you think someone is vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism, use the Prevent national referral form to let the relevant services know so they can help.
Complete the Prevent national referral form on any device or print a copy to be completed and emailed.