Prevent is part of the government counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST and aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

The objectives of Prevent are to:

• tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism
• identify, safeguard and support those most at risk of radicalisation through early identification, intervention and support
• enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

Prevent focuses on all forms of terrorism and the Prevent strategy centres on safeguarding individuals by providing support and re-direction to individuals at risk of, or in the process of, being groomed and/or radicalised into terrorist activity, before any crime is committed.

The Prevent duty (Section 26, Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015) requires all NHS organisations to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, and staff must be enabled to understand the risk of radicalisation and how to seek appropriate advice and support. 

The duty requires a risk-based approach and partnership working to support a proportionate response. Prevent is about early intervention and the safeguarding of children, young people and adults who may be at risk of radicalisation. Prevent acknowledges that people at risk of being drawn into terrorism may also be at risk of other forms of harm, such as criminal exploitation, grooming, sexual exploitation, modern slavery and serious violence.

If an individual is at risk of radicalisation, a referral can be made through the Channel process.

The Educate Against Hate website provides useful information about possible signs of radicalisation.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• any resident who may be at risk of radicalisation or exploitation.

How to Refer