Safeguarding vulnerable people from extremism
Gloucestershire Prevent
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) that aims to stop people from being exposed and radicalised into all forms of extremist ideologies, which could involve an intent to harm others. Prevent helps people at all ages and it is another form of safeguarding which brings agencies and members of the community together to offer support to a person who is at risk of radicalisation. Prevent does not aim to criminalise people for holding extreme views; instead, it seeks to stop individuals from encouraging or even committing violent activity.
The Prevent duty guidance requires local authorities, education, health, police and prisons, probation and youth offender services to help prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The duty helps to ensure that people who are vulnerable to radicalisation are supported as they would be under safeguarding processes.
Spot the signs of a vulnerable person
- Low self esteem
- Changes in emotional behaviour
- Changes in routines
- Isolating themselves from groups, spending time alone via social media.
- Expressing feelings that they have no purpose in life and don’t belong
- Fixated on an ideology, belief or subject
- Change in language or use of words
- Closed to new ideas/conversations
- Scripted speech
Spotting the signs of radicalisation
- Desire for status, need to dominate
- Being influenced or controlled by a group
- An obsessive of angry desire for change or ‘something to be done’
To assist the people in the community, early intervention is most effective. In doing so this will support that individual fully from radicalisation and extremism.
How to make a referral
- Contact your local Counter Terrorism Policing Officers either via phone or email, to check if a referral is required.
- Raise your concerns by contacting the Counter Terrorism Police hotline on 0800-789321 or by visiting the website.
- Contact the Police Prevent team as soon as possible if radicalisation is recognised. Make a referral through the Prevent National referral form. Fill out the PDF below and send to: [email protected] - Prevent National Referral form (pdf)
- Be aware of the other safeguarding concerns around the radicalisation and contact Gloucestershire County Council’s safeguarding services as soon as possible.