Prevent
Radicalisation is defined as the process by which people come to support terrorism and violent extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in terrorist groups.
There is no obvious profile of a person likely to become involved in extremism or a single indicator of when a person might move to adopt violence in support of extremist ideas. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and can take place over an extended period or within a very short time frame.
Three main areas of concern have been identified for initial attention in developing the awareness and understanding of how to recognise and respond to the increasing threat of people being radicalised:-
- Increasing understanding of radicalisation and the various forms it might take, thereby enhancing the skills and abilities to recognise signs and indicators
- Identifying a range of interventions - universal, targeted and specialist - and the expertise to apply these proportionately and appropriately.
- Taking appropriate measures to safeguard people living with or in direct contact with known extremists.
Channel
One of the main elements of our Prevent work is a programme called Channel, whereby people who are assessed as being vulnerable to supporting violent extremism are provided with multi-agency support.
The support that is offered is tailored for each case, and could consist of help with family problems, mental health support, mentoring, religious support and others. People who are referred to Channel are not criminals; but may be at risk of committing an offence if not supported.
Prevent work includes training staff within partner agencies (Education/Health/Prison/Probation/Youth Offending/Fire Service/Police) and key organisations within the private sector to identify people who may be at risk of supporting violent extremism and refer them for support.
An escalation process to strategic governance is in place for the Channel Panel. This process is publicised to panel members and partners.
For further details of this process please contact Lindsey Heaton Service Manager Quality Assurance Service, Chair of Channel Panel.
Contact details 07766780354.
Support for organisations and individuals to challenge extremist ideology
Many people and groups want to work actively to change extremist ideology and uphold the values of tolerance, democracy, cohesion, equality, the rule of law and freedom of speech. This is most powerful when it comes from within communities themselves. The Council's Prevent Action Plan will identify and encourage community-based activities and projects to help this to happen.
Where to report information
If you see it, or suspect it, report it.
If you are worried about someone and think they may be at risk of getting involved in terrorism or extremism, you must complete the Prevent Referral Form and email it simultaneously to:
[email protected] and [email protected]
The information you provide on this form will be held on police systems and will be used to determine if further enquiries, investigations and interventions are required. Please provide as much information as you have.
You can report online material promoting terrorism or extremism on the gov.uk website.
If you consider anything to be suspicious or connected with terrorism, contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
If there is an on-going incident, contact the police on 999.
If you believe someone is at risk of radicalisation, call the Knowsley Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0151 443 2600.