Preventing Radicalisation

Fenland is seen as a safe district and the risk of a terrorist incident is considered to be very low. The vast majority of people, in all our communities, need no convincing that terrorism is wrong and want to see it prevented. People from all communities want to play their part in helping to make that happen. We all have a role in ensuring that our communities are kept safe and that individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation can be provided with the help and support they need.

Prevent

Prevent is one of the four core elements of the Government's CONTEST strategy for countering terrorism. The other three elements are Prepare, Pursue and Protect.

Prevent is not about catching terrorists, it is about identifying people who are, or may be at risk of radicalisation, and supporting them to change direction in a way that will help them.

The purpose of Prevent is to enlist the support of people in our communities to reach the much smaller minority who may be drawn into terrorism, often through extremist views.

The Prevent strategy has three main objectives:

• Ideology - to respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it.
• Individuals -  to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support.
• Institutions - to work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address.  

Find out more about the Prevent Programme.

Spotting the signs

The journey to becoming radicalised is different for everyone and there are many reasons why someone becomes vulnerable. Radicalisation can take place very quickly, or over a long period of time. However, there are certain behaviours you can watch out for that we often see when someone is being led down the path of extremism.

Visit ACT Early to find out more about the signs that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Where to go for help

If you are concerned about anyone who might be at risk of becoming radicalised then you should speak to the police on 101.

In an emergency, or to report a suspected terrorist incident, call the Police on 999.

For more information on how to access support and advice to combat radicalisation visit the Let's Talk About It website.

Prevent is one of the four elements of CONTEST, the Government's counter-terrorism strategy (the other elements being: Pursue, Protect and Prepare). The Prevent Duty requires Local Authorities and their partners (including police and health partners) to work together to counter all forms of terrorism and non-violent extremism, and to safeguard individuals at risk of radicalisation.

We have a Prevent Plan which includes actions to support communities to share concerns about individuals at risk of radicalisation, as well as groups who may present a threat. We will work to inform communities and raise awareness about Prevent. We want to support you, our communities, to share local intelligence and make appropriate referrals. 

How to report or share a concern

You're best placed to spot when something's not right with someone close. So trust your instincts and tell the police your concerns in confidence. Often there's no need for ongoing police involvement and the right support could be provided by teachers, health or social workers, or specialist mentors.

At risk individuals

If you believe someone is at risk of radicalisation, you can help them get support and prevent them becoming involved in terrorism and potentially violent activities, by raising your concerns via:

Email: Prevent@cambs.pnn.police.uk
Telephone: 01480 422596

Channel

Channel is a voluntary, confidential programme which safeguards people identified as vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. It is a multi-agency process, involving partners from the local authority, the police, education, health providers and others.

Channel has been operating successfully in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire for a number of years.

The support that is offered is tailored for each case and could consist of any of the following:

• help with family problems
• mental health support
• mentoring
• religious support

Find out more about the Channel Programme.

Emergencies

If you suspect that someone is about to put themselves in danger by travelling to join a terrorist organisation, or appears involved in plans to commit a criminal offence, please inform the police immediately by calling 999.

Further resources

Further resources on Prevent and free training modules can be found on the Home Office website.

If you would like to know more about the Fenland District Council's Prevent Plan, please direct your request to either the Councils Traveller & Diversity Manager or the Fenland Community Safety Partnership.  In the first instance please call 01354-654321 or email Customer Services CustomerServices@fenland.gov.uk