21st February 2025
Since July 2015 the Counter Terrorism and Security Act gave specified authorities a legal duty to have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.'
The Prevent Strategy aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent work also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.
The focus of Prevent is on the significant threat posed by
international terrorism and those in the UK who are inspired by it. It is also concerned with reducing threats, risks and vulnerabilities posed by domestic extremists such as those from the far right and far left, extreme animal rights activists and those involved in Northern Irish related terrorism.
The objectives of Prevent are:
- Tackling the ideological causes of terrorism.
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Intervening early to support people susceptible to radicalisation.
- Enabling people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.
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- Radicalisation is the word commonly used to describe the mental process the person is going through as they get drawn down a dangerous path.
- If someone is becoming radicalised it means they are displaying extreme views in support of extreme ideologies or beliefs, terrorist groups and activities.
- It can be hard to spot if someone is becoming radicalised, as some of the signs are indicators of other underlying issues, or challenges that are not connected to radicalisation.
- If you are worried about someone vulnerable then reach out and speak to someone..
 The image isnt easily read could we also add as a section with text Get help if you're worried about someone being radicalised. Click here to find out more.
The multi-agency approach to protect people at risk from radicalisation is called Channel. The local Channel Panel is chaired by the Service Manager, Safeguarding Adults and Service Manager Children & Families from the Local Authority. The Channel process is voluntary, and anyone can be involved however parents and guardians must give consent to participate.
The Channel process takes place in a pre-criminal space. It uses existing collaboration between local authorities, statutory partners (such as the education and health sectors, social care, children and youth services, specialist youth service and offender management services), the police and the local community to:
- Identify individuals at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism
- Assess the nature and extent of that risk
- Develop the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned
Prevent Duty Animation-Public sector staff working together to stop radicalisation
This animation illustrates how public sector workers have a duty to work together to stop radicalisation. Adam tells his story of how he started to become radicalised online and how frontline staff in contact with Adam notice, check and share the signs of radicalisation- referring Adam to Prevent to then receive support through the Channel programme. Click here to watch the animation.
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Vulnerable people, including children, young people and adults can be exploited by people who seek to involve them in terrorism or activity in support of terrorism.
In Cumbria, this exploitation is recognised by all partners, including the Police as a potential safeguarding issue.
Guidance has been produced for all professionals working with children and adults for whom there are concerns that they are vulnerable and at risk of becoming involved in violent extremist activity. To view the guidance click the following link: Local Safeguarding Childrens Board Guidance
Click the following links to find out how to make a Prevent referral or report a concern about terrorism: Preventing Radicalisation in Cumberland
Preventing Radicalisation in Westmorland and Furness
If you have any concerns or need advice contact the Prevent Team:
E:concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk. T: 01772 413 398.
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If you are worried about anyone who is at risk of being radicalised by people who are involved in, or support terrorism, please contact:
- In an emergency, dial: 999
- Anti-Terror Hotline: 0800 789 321
- concerned about someone in Cumberland? Click here
- concerned about someone in Westmorland & Furness? Click here
If you consider anything to be suspicious or connected with terrorism, you can also contact Cumbria Police on the non-emergency number 101.
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ACT eLearning: Partners and businesses can sign up to the online training
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Run,Hide,Tell: Video offering guidance on what to do in the unlikely event of a firearms attack
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ACT App: App offering support and guidance on counter terrorism for members of the public, partners and businesses
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