Prevent: Our Counter Terrorism Strategy
Prevent is a Home Office programme which aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and is led by the Local Authority and the Police.
The main focus of Prevent is safeguarding and supporting individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation from various strands of terrorism, such as right wing or religious extremism.
In the same way that support is provided to people at risk of involvement with drugs, gangs, or other forms of harm. Individuals vulnerable to being groomed into radicalisation can also be helped.
As a Local Authority, we respond to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views.
We respond by providing training to a wide range of sectors (including education, businesses, support services, faith, charities, community groups, health) to help people identify where there are risks of radicalisation.
We accept referrals from professionals who highlight concerns regarding an individual to Prevent, they are then assessed by us as the Local Authority and other partners including the City of London Police, to see if they are suitable for Channel. This is the Prevent scheme’s specialist support system.
Channel is a voluntary, confidential, early intervention programme that supports people who may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
Channel is chaired by us, the Local Authority and brings the City of London Police, health professionals and other partners to discuss the person who has been referred, and decide on what tailored package of support can be offered to them. During the Channel meeting, a robust action plan and intervention programme will created for the individual as well as on-going support to steer them away from harmful ideologies, behaviour and extremism. Support includes theological or ideological mentoring, mental health support, substance and alcohol support and other advice relating to education and employment.
Sometimes, Channel support is not deemed appropriate for individuals, such as where they are not being radicalised but are still vulnerable to harm. In a case like this, an individual can be signposted to better suited support services. Taking part in Channel doesn’t go on someone’s criminal record and won’t negatively impact their future education or career prospects. It means getting the right kind of help for the person who needs support to move away from extremism.
The journey to becoming radicalised is different for everyone and there are many reasons why a person becomes vulnerable, radicalisation can happen quickly or over a long period of time. If you’re worried that any of your friends, neighbours or relatives is at risk of getting involved in terrorism or extremism, there are signs to look out for. These include someone who:
- is at a transitional phase in their life, perhaps leaving or starting college, or changing jobs
- is looking to find an identity, a sense of belonging, status or excitement
- is susceptible to being influenced or controlled, or wants to dominate others
- has a sense of grievance, injustice or who feels under threat
- has an emotional desire for political or moral change
- is secretive about social networking contacts
Find out more about what to look out for on Act Early.
If you have any questions, concerns about an individual or would like to receive training, please email the City of London Corporation Prevent Team or email the City of London Police Prevent Team.
It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. We’re here to listen and offer help and advice.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit Act Early which is a helpful resource with advice, practical tips on how to start a conversation with someone you’re worried about, online safety advice and real stories.
If you have concerns about any of your friends, neighbours or relatives or you are a professional looking to make a referral, you can fill out a quick and simple online referral form to the City of London Police Prevent Team. Alternatively, you can fill out the PDF at the bottom of this page and email it to the City of London Corporation Prevent Team.
You can also email the City of London Police Prevent Team or call them on 020 7601 2442 (lines are open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).
You can also call the national police Prevent advice line 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers.
If it's an emergency, please call 999.
If you see online material promoting terrorism or extremism, you can report it online.
If you do not live in the City of London, you can speak to your local policing team or your local council community team about helping run local events about Prevent.
There is training online on the Government website about Prevent and the Prevent duty. This training relates mostly to people working in sectors covered by the Prevent duty, such as education, health, local authorities, police or criminal justice agencies. However, it can still be completed by those in any other sector to learn more about the subject.
We can attend your event to tell our communities about the work we’re doing and to give them a say in the way we do it.
We can tell you more about the signs and behavioural changes to look out for in someone who might be becoming involved in terrorism or extremism and explain who might be at risk.