We are required by law to work to protect people from radicalisation. Find out how we do this and how you can help us.
The aim of Prevent is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people become terrorists or supporting terrorism.
Prevent is about safeguarding vulnerable individuals in the same way support is provided to those at risk of becoming involved in gangs, drugs, exploitation, or other forms of harm. Individuals vulnerable to being groomed into terrorism can also be offered support.
At the heart of Prevent is safeguarding adults and children by providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.
Prevent operates in a pre-criminal space, providing support and re-direction to individuals at risk of being radicalised into terrorist activities before any crimes are committed.
Radicalisation is when a person starts to believe in and support extremist ideas, but there is no single route to radicalisation. Sometimes, someone takes advantage of vulnerabilities that could make young people or adults susceptible to extremist ideas.
There are many factors that can make someone susceptible to radicalisation. It can happen to anyone of any age, social class, religion, ethnicity or educational background. We tackle all ideologies and concerns that may cause a terrorist threat.
However, there are certain behaviours you can watch out for that are often seen when someone is being led down the path of extremism. These behaviours could include:
It's also possible for people to 'self-radicalise' for example by watching extremist content online. Anyone can be vulnerable to extremist messages. That's why it's important for communities to be aware.
There is no exhaustive checklist of warnings signs that would indicate that someone is being groomed online, but some things to look out for may include:
Act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker we can protect the person you care about from being groomed and exploited by extremists.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit Act Early or call the support line on 0800 011 3764 from 9am to 5pm everyday where you can share your concerns with specially trained officers. Or you can email prevent@lbbd.gov.uk
You’ll often be the first to notice if someone displays concerning behaviour.
There could be many different reasons for these behaviours, not just radicalisation. It’s important to understand the context and why these changes are happening.
Discuss your concerns with colleagues/your safeguarding lead.
Once you have gathered relevant information it’s essential to share your concern and make a referral.
Anyone can make a referral.
Make a referral (PDF, 296.87 KB)
Your referral is reviewed by a panel of professionals, which can include the local police, counter terrorism police, teachers, social workers.
Individuals may be referred to a voluntary, confidential, early intervention programme. This is known as Channel and this supports people who may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
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:
Channel in Barking and Dagenham 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 others meet to discuss support options. These support options include a range of different interventions, addressing ideological, educational, vocational, mental health, and other vulnerabilities.
For more information about Prevent and Channel, check the following links
If you have seen or heard something that could be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.
It only takes a moment to make a report online.
Tell us about possible terrorist activity
You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the Police in confidence on 0800 789 321.
See information at Action Counters Terrorism
If you have any further queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Authority Prevent team by emailing prevent@lbbd.gov.uk