Guidance for members of the public
What is Prevent?
Prevent forms part of the government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy called CONTEST.
It aims to stop people becoming terrorists and supporting terrorism. It focuses on safeguarding and supporting those individuals who are susceptible to being drawn into terrorism. It provides early intervention support to address the personal, social and ideological factors which make people more susceptible to radicalisation. Prevent addresses all forms of terrorism and extremism. Spotting the Signs of Radicalisation
If you’re worried about someone being radicalised and want to find out more about Prevent before making a referral, visit the ACT EARLY website. The earlier you ask for advice, the sooner you can help to stop that person becoming a danger to themself or others.
There is no single route to radicalisation. However there are certain signs and traits that may increase susceptibility to being radicalised.
- Anger, feelings of injustice or an obsessive desire for change.
- Mental Health or Personal crisis. Becoming isolated or withdrawn.
- Support for extremist causes, symbols, or propaganda or use of hostile, hateful or extremist language
- Engagement with extremist material online, including sharing propaganda or joining extremist forums.
Please visit the ACT Early website for more information.
Who to Contact
If you have concerns that someone is on a pathway that could lead to terrorism?
- Please contact South Yorkshire Police Prevent via 101.
- In an emergency where your own or others' safety is at risk, call 999
- You can also call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline anonymously on 0800 789 321.
- You can report online material promoting terrorism or extremism on GOV.UK.
You can report any concerns to the Local Authority
- For Children: Local Authority Rotherham Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 01709 336 080.
- For Adults: Local Authority Rotherham Adult Care Customer Contact Team 01709 822 330
If you work for a public agency please also contact your Designated Safeguarding Lead for further guidance.
Support Available
Prevent has a specialist support programme called “Channel” It is a multi-agency safeguarding programme run by the Local authority, we aim to provide tailored support depending on an individual’s needs, including mentoring, counselling, and help with education or employment.
We work alongside our own adults and children's social care teams, Education, Health services and South Yorkshire Police to provide early support and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation.
Channel is voluntary, and individuals (or their parents/careers for children aged under 18) must consent to receiving support.
