It helps protect people from being drawn into radicalisation and extremism, regardless of ideology or background and is part of the government's counter-terrorism strategy.
What Prevent does
Prevent aims to:
- address the factors that can make people vulnerable to radicalisation
- challenge extremist ideologies
- identify and support people at risk of being drawn into terrorism
- help people disengage from terrorism and extremist activity
- safeguard vulnerable children, young people and adults
How you can help
We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Being aware of the risks of radicalisation and extremism is an important first step.
You can help by:
- understanding the signs of radicalisation
- knowing how to report any concerns
- acting when something doesn't feel right
Signs of radicalisation
There is no single sign that someone is being radicalised and many of the behaviours may be linked to other issues. However, it can be a concern when a person shows several changes in their behaviour over time.
These can include becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family, expressing intolerant or extremist views, showing hostility towards people with different backgrounds or beliefs, using language that appears to be influenced by extremist groups, spending excessive time accessing extremist content online, or becoming fixated on a particular grievance, ideology or cause. Friends, family members and colleagues are often the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right.
These signs do not necessarily mean someone is being radicalised, but they may indicate that additional support is needed.
Concerned about someone?
ACT Early is a national safeguarding programme that provides advice and support if you're worried that someone you know may be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremism.
Visit the ACT Early website for more information or call the confidential ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764.
You can report suspected terrorist activity to North Yorkshire Police.
In an emergency or if you have an immediate concern about someone's safety or welfare, always call 999.
For professionals
If you work in North Yorkshire and would like advice before making a referral about a young person, you can contact the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.
For referrals about adults, you can make an adult social care referral if you are a professional in North Yorkshire.
You can also report online material that promotes terrorism or extremism.
If you have any questions about how to make a referral, please contact us.
Get involved
We work with partners, organisations and community groups across North Yorkshire to:
- identify and challenge extremism appropriately
- train staff to recognise signs of radicalisation and make referrals for support
- provide free Prevent awareness workshops
These workshops help people understand Prevent, recognise potential risks and learn how to respond to concerns.
For enquiries about Prevent, please contact us.