Prevent
The purpose of Prevent is to stop vulnerable individuals from becoming drawn into terrorism. This can mean challenging extremist and non-violent ideas that are also part of a terrorist’s ideology. Prevent operates in a similar way to other preventative initiatives which protect and safeguard vulnerable individuals at risk of being harmed.
Prevent also aims to tackle the causes of radicalisation by supporting statutory organisations, the voluntary sector and local communities through raising awareness of extremism, building community resilience and ensuring that organisations provide support to individuals who are vulnerable to radicalisation.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 placed a statutory duty on specified authorities to have due regard to the need to Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Specified authorities outlined within this duty include Local Authorities, Police, Schools & Registered providers, Further and Higher Education, Health, Prisons and Probation.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Channel Panel
Stoke-on-Trent’s Channel Panel meets monthly, is attended by safeguarding professionals who meet to discuss how best they can reduce the risk of an individual being drawn into terrorism based on the circumstances of each person. Support options can encompass an array of different interventions, addressing educational, vocational, mental health, and other vulnerabilities.
Channel works in a similar way to existing safeguarding partnerships aimed at protecting vulnerable people and is designed to work with individuals of any age who are at risk of being exploited by extremists.
How do I access support?
We all have a responsibility to safeguard individuals from being drawn into harmful behaviour.
If you are concerned that someone is being radicalised and want to access support for them through Stoke-on-Trent’s Channel Panel which is Chaired by a senior safeguarding lead at the city council then contact sarah.dyer@stoke.gov.uk or shahzad.tahir@stoke.gov.uk for a referral form.
Complete the form and e-mail it to West Midlands CTU North Hub (ctu_gateway@westmidlands.police.uk) who in partnership with other safeguarding professionals will work to assess the level of vulnerability.
If you think a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
Training on Prevent & Channel
Stoke-on-City Council’s Prevent Team offer free training to organisations, community groups, education establishments and frontline staff who engage with vulnerable children, young people and adults. We offer workshops to raise awareness of extremist groups, the radicalisation process and Channel so frontline staff can recognise if someone may be at risk of being radicalised and can respond appropriately.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss your training requirements or require support or guidance on any Prevent issue, please contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Prevent Team:
Shahzad Tahir, Community Cohesion Manager, 01782 238771, Shahzad.Tahir@stoke.gov.uk.
Sarah Dyer, Prevent Education Officer, 01782 233239, Sarah.Dyer@stoke.gov.uk.
Useful Resources