Prevent is part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy. It aims to reduce the risk of people becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies.
Prevent works by identifying individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and providing appropriate support.
Reporting concerns
For professionals such as teachers, social workers and housing officers
If you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of radicalisation and wish to discuss your concerns:
To make a referral, please use the National Prevent Referral Form.
For members of the public or voluntary sector
If you are concerned about someone and want to speak to someone before making a referral:
- call the ACT Early Support Line: 0800 011 3764
(calls are handled by specially trained officers)
What is Channel?
Each Prevent referral is assessed and in some cases the person referred will require one to one multi-agency support which is called Channel. Channel is a voluntary, confidential support programme for individuals identified as vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
It is a multi-agency process involving:
- local authorities
- police
- education providers
- health services
- other relevant organisations
If a Prevent referral meets the threshold, the individual may be offered support through Channel. If not, they may be referred to another appropriate service.
In an emergency
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety call 999.
Learn more about Prevent
- About Prevent
- Understand why Prevent is important to reduce terrorism
- Spot the signs of radicalisation
- What to do if you’re worried about someone
- What happens when a person is referred to Prevent
- Find out more about how Prevent works
Resources
- Channel Privacy Notice
- Prevent Factsheet 2024
- Prevent Guidance
- ACT Early - Counter Terrorism Policing safeguarding website
Additional reporting options
Anti-Terrorist Hotline
If you are concerned about a person who may do something to harm themselves and/or other people, you can call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism
You can report any illegal terrorist information, pictures, videos found on the internet through Gov.uk