Prevent - Working together to prevent terrorism
Prevent is a strand of the UK Government's Counter-Terrorist Strategy that aims to reduce the threat to the UK by stopping people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It is about preventative action and is focused on the early stages where a crime has not yet been committed.
Local authorities, Health and Social Care Partnerships, the NHS, colleges/universities, prisons and the Police all have a duty to protect vulnerable individuals and work together to stop them from being exploited and radicalised.
Friends and family are often the first to spot worrying changes taking place where someone is being radicalised, and it is often small changes that are noticed first.
It's important that you know what to do if you have concerns that someone you know could be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
If you're worried about an adult or a child/young person being a risk of being radicalised, reporting your concerns will enable the relevant authorities to provide the necessary support that can prevent them from becoming involved in extremism, as well as protecting our wider communities from the threat of terrorism.
If you're a member of the public who is worried about someone, call the Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764 to speak to one of their specially trained officers. The support line is available 7 days per week from 9am to 5pm.
If you notice something that doesn't feel right and are worried that someone could become vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism, you can contact Gary Hoey (South Ayrshire Prevent Contact) by calling 01292 612426 or emailing [email protected], or Mark Inglis (South Ayrshire Prevent SPOC) by calling 01292 616437 or emailing [email protected]
If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
What is the threat?
Prevent involves all kinds of terrorist threat to the UK. Motivations for terrorism are varied and often relate to particular beliefs. For example:
- Political movements
- Religious beliefs
- Animal rights groups
- Environmental issues
- Economic issues
Why do people get involved in terrorism?
There is no single profile for a person who is likely to become involved in terrorism. However, there are some signs that someone could be classed as vulnerable to terrorist ideologies. These include:
- A lack of identity or belonging
- Insecurity
- Defending a culture, way of life or beliefs
- Being pressurised or bullied
Those who radicalise others into believing terrorist ideologies often target vulnerable people who are led into believing that violence or criminality can earn respect, right a wrong or glorify a cause.
What should I look out for?
There is no easy way to determine who is likely to become radicalised or involved in terrorism. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and situation.
However, some signs that an individual may be being radicalised could be:
- Becoming focused on extremist activities
- Becoming withdrawn and stopping participating in their usual activities
- Expressing feelings of anger, grievance or injustice
- Going missing from their home, school or care setting
- A new group of friends who use language that supports 'us and them' thinking
- Possessing or searching for extremist literature online
- Changes in an individual's appearance or behaviour
Visit the Action Counters Terrorism ACT website for more information.
