Radicalisation or Extremism (Prevent)

Find out about the signs of radicalisation and what to do if you spot them

Prevent is a part of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. Prevent helps to protect society from terrorism by supporting people who are at risk of radicalisation and offering them appropriate interventions. 

Radicalisation means someone is being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities. There are many different types of radicalisation and Prevent deals with them all.

If someone is at risk of radicalisation, front-line professionals such as teachers, healthcare practitioners, social workers, the police, charities and civil society, psychologists, and community leaders are able to refer them into Prevent's support programme, Channel.

• Visit gov.uk to find out about Prevent duty

The Channel Programme

The Channel programme is led by Essex County Council. It focuses on supporting people who are at risk of being exploited and drawn into terrorism. Channel ensures they can receive early-intervention support before this happens.

The programme is confidential and voluntary. It involves multi-agency safeguarding professionals meeting to discuss support options. This could include a variety of interventions to address vulnerabilities in:

• education
• vocation
• mental health
• other vulnerabilities

Ideological support is also common. This may include discussion with ideological experts and faith leaders.​

To find out more, read the Home Office's Prevent and Channel factsheet.

Information for parents and carers

You can find resources to help protect your child, as well as answers to common questions, on the Educate against hate website.

What to do if you are concerned about someone

You can find out more about how to spot the signs that someone you know may be radicalised and where you can go for support on the Act Early website.

If you are concerned about someone please

• Call the national terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321
• Report possible terrorist or extreme behaviour online

If there is immediate danger, always call 999.