Preventing people being drawn into extremism

This page tells you about the Prevent and the Channel Programme which works to prevent vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism and extremism.

Prevent is a part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. Prevent helps to protect society from terrorism by supporting people who are at risk of radicalisation and offering them appropriate interventions.

Radicalisation means someone is being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities. There are many different types of radicalisation and Prevent deals with all of them.

If someone is at risk of radicalisation, they should be referred to Prevent’s support programme, Channel. Channel is confidential and voluntary, and offers support including:

• mentoring

• mental health support such as counselling

• education or career development support

• online safety training

Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme operating in every Local Authority in England and Wales. Channel is about early intervention to protect vulnerable people from being drawn into committing terrorist-related activity.

It is important to note that participation in Channel is voluntary. It is up to an individual, or their parent/guardian for children aged 17 and under, to decide whether to take up the support it offers. Channel does not lead to a criminal record.

To find out more about how Prevent and how it protects people from radicalisation, visit:

• Get help if you're worried about someone being radicalised (.gov)

• Act Early

• Educate Against Hate

If you wish to raise a concern about how Prevent has been applied, further information and reporting options are available here Make a complaint about Prevent - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Prevent is delivered in Doncaster by the Community Safety Team. For advice or support on making a referral please contact Rachael Long, Crime and Community Safety Theme Manager:

• 07795800946

• Rachael.Long@doncaster.gov.uk

If there is immediate danger, always call 999.

Further reference information is attached to this page, including the National Referral Form used in Doncaster and a Prevent/Channel Quick Guide.