Prevent – Countering Extremism

The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard vulnerable people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It does this by engaging with individuals who are vulnerable to radicalisation and protecting those who may be targeted by terrorist recruiters.

The Prevent strategy is part of the UK Counter-Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST) and is underpinned by the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. The Act places a duty on public bodies—including local authorities, the police, prisons, probation service providers, schools, colleges and universities—to take action to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and to raise awareness of terrorism-related risks.

Prevent has three main objectives:

• To respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism
• To support vulnerable people and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism
• To work with key sectors and institutions to address risks

Prevent focuses on early intervention, before any criminal activity takes place. Its aim is to reduce the likelihood of individuals who support violent extremist ideologies progressing to terrorist activity.

How to Make a Prevent Referral or Report a Concern About Terrorism

Anyone can make a Prevent referral if they have concerns.

If you are worried about someone who may be at risk of radicalisation or is involved in, or supports, terrorism, please contact:

• In an emergency:  999
• Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321

Professional - Submit a Prevent referral

Get advice and support
In the first instance you should contact your organisation's designated safeguarding lead.

National Prevent referral form

This is the official government form for professionals to submit a Prevent referral if you are concerned about a person being susceptible to radicalisation. 

Email the completed form to the Merseyside Police Prevent team via prevent@merseyside.police.uk

Public - Submit a Prevent referral

In the first instance you should contact ACT - Action Counters Terrorism. You can share your concerns in confidence online or over the phone. ACT Early

Communities defeat terrorism. Given the enduring terrorist threat, it is vital that everyone plays their part in tackling terrorism—your actions could save lives.

Do not worry about wasting police time. No call or report is ignored. All information is treated in the strictest confidence and assessed by experienced officers before any police action is taken.

Any piece of information could be important. If in doubt, trust your instincts and ACT.

You can also contact the national Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764. This confidential service allows you to share concerns with specially trained police officers.

Council Prevent Team

You can also get in touch with the council's Prevent Team, Monday to Friday to discuss your concerns or for advice and support. 

Contact: Communitysafetyandengagement@sefton.gov.uk

We can support those who are susceptible to being drawn into supporting terrorism or extremism as part of the Government's Counter Terrorism Strategy.

What happens next

We will contact you to discuss your concerns.

This might involve us helping you to complete a Prevent referral form to enable us to share information with our partners and start the safeguarding process. This will ensure we provide the most appropriate level of help and support.

Prevent Police will carry out checks and may contact the referrer for further information.

If you believe something is suspicious or connected with terrorism, contact Merseyside Police on the non‑emergency number 101. If you suspect it, report it.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process through which people come to support increasingly extreme political, religious or ideological views. This can lead to support for violent extremism and, in some cases, terrorism.

People may ‘self‑radicalise’ by reading or listening to extremist literature or speakers online. More commonly, however, radicalisation occurs through the influence of an individual or group actively promoting extremist views.

Belief in an extremist cause and membership of an extremist group can give individuals a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. This can be particularly appealing to people experiencing personal challenges or vulnerability.

Possible signs of radicalisation may include (but are not limited to):

• Isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
• Obsession with, or secrecy around, internet use and social media
• Becoming uncooperative or disengaged
• Using abusive, aggressive or extremist language, comments or threats
• Fascination with weapons, chemicals, explosives or extremist activity or events
• Significant changes in friendships or relationships
• Use of scripted or rehearsed language
• Sudden changes in behaviour or appearance due to new influences
• Attempts to recruit or ‘groom’ others into an extremist ideology
• Possession of violent extremist literature

If you have concerns about a friend, neighbour or relative, you can also contact Sefton Council:

• Concerns about an adult: Call 0345 140 0845
• Concerns about a child or young person: Call the CHAT Team on 0151 934 4013

Channel

Channel is the multi‑agency safeguarding programme used to protect people at risk of radicalisation. It builds on existing partnerships between local authorities, statutory partners (such as education, health, social care, children’s and youth services, and offender management services), the police and local communities to:

• Identify individuals at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism
• Assess the nature and extent of that risk
• Develop appropriate support plans for those individuals

Channel focuses on safeguarding children and adults through early intervention, addressing vulnerabilities and diverting individuals away from harm.

In Sefton, a multi‑agency Channel Panel—chaired by the local authority—meets monthly to consider referrals. The panel’s role is to agree and coordinate a package of support measures for individuals at risk of radicalisation.

Prevent and Schools

Many young people have a strong interest in political and global issues. In some cases, this may result in political activity, particularly among older pupils. Schools should ensure that political expression is handled sensitively, avoiding disruption, intimidation or the targeting of pupils or staff.

Safeguarding leads may consider whether the expression or sharing of abusive or discriminatory views indicates a wider vulnerability to radicalisation. Where appropriate, consideration may be given to engaging Prevent support.

Teachers and school staff are trusted to exercise professional judgement when deciding whether a Prevent referral is appropriate, in the same way as for any safeguarding concern.

Additional training and discussion around radicalisation can help schools address these issues, and advice and guidance are available to support safeguarding leads in decision‑making.

Venue Hire

The Prevent Duty places a mandatory requirement on Sefton Council to ensure that publicly owned venues and resources are not used to provide a platform for extremists or to disseminate extremist views.