What is Prevent?

Prevent is a national safeguarding programme that aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism through radicalisation. Prevent is safeguarding children and adults and providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.

Radicalisation means someone is being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities.

Vulnerabilities to look out for, that could make someone susceptible to radicalisation:

• A desire for political or moral change
• Being influences or controlled by a group
• A need to dominate and control others
• A desire for excitement or adventure
• A desire for status
• Relevant mental health issues
• A need for identity and belonging
• Feeling under threat
• Feelings of grievance and injustice

Signs / behaviours to look out for:

• Change of clothing
• New friends
• Argumentative
• Inappropriate language (Hate Crime)
• Ignoring views different to their own
• Socially withdrawn and isolated
• Increased internet use
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Resentment to authority
• Being increasingly secretive
• Scripted speech

It’s important you ACT now:

• Assess risk
• Challenge extremist views
• Tell your designated safeguarding lead and/or Prevent Coordinator

How do I report?

If you are concerned somebody is being radicalised in your community please contact your local police force by dialling 101 and ask for the Prevent team, or if you require urgent police assistance dial 999.

You can report suspicious activity by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. If you encounter material on the internet which you think may be illegal, offensive or linked to extremist behaviour, you can report it online.

Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, open 9am to 5pm every day.

Find out more

Further information and to report terrorist or extremist content.

For more advice and information about the work the Police do visit the Counter Terrorism Policing website.