Introduction

Strong evidence shows that an intervention can stop someone become a terrorist or a supporter of violent extremism.

The government has developed a process called Prevent to help people who have been identified as being potentially vulnerable to radicalisation or extremism. Steps have also been taken by the local government organisations in the East Riding to support this process, and to help you identify and act upon any signs of radicalisation you may come across.

The Prevent Programme

The Prevent programme is 1 of 4 parts of the government's counterterrorism (CONTEST) strategy.

The aim of CONTEST is to reduce the risk to the UK and its interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives as freely as possible.

Channel

Channel is also part of the Prevent programme. This is a voluntary, confidential, early intervention programme that supports those that may be at risk of becoming involved in terrorism.

Support is available for vulnerable children, and adults of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, including those suffering from substance abuse. This is provided in collaboration with partners, such as:

• the police
• specialist mentors
• doctors
• mental health workers
• local schools
• workplaces.

Partners are able to jointly identify and assess risks and provide tailored support packages for individuals, where required.

Prevent in the East Riding

Prevent in the East Riding is managed through the community safety partnership, which includes organisations, such as:

• the police and fire services
• health services
• prison and probation services
• voluntary and community organisations
• the council.

By working together we can provide the most effective support to those who are vulnerable to radicalisation and exploitation by extremists. Our multi-agency approach is supported by detailed action plans, which aim to reduce the risk of extremist action and stop vulnerable residents from being drawn into radical behaviour.

We also work with schools and colleges to coordinate our work to help reduce the risk of radicalisation from a young age.

Prevent champions network

One of the ways that we are supporting the Prevent programme in East Riding is by building a Prevent champions network.

Prevent champions are volunteers from each organisation in the community safety partnership, who:

• have a good understanding of radicalisation, extremism and the Prevent programme
• will through their role, raise awareness of these topics
• be available to support staff within those organisations if they have any concerns.

They will also support the network aims, which are to:

• involve more people in the Prevent agenda
• increase local knowledge and transparency
• make sure local agencies and key partners are well briefed on current threats and risk issues
• provide support to people who are vulnerable to radicalisation.

How you can help

We all have a role to keep our communities safe.

You can make a difference by:

• keeping an eye out for anything you feel may be unusual
• sharing any concerns you may have about individuals or groups you meet at work, socially or in any other context.

Know the signs

It is possible to intervene to prevent people becoming involved in terrorist related activity if you know the signs to look out for and act early.

Talk to a Prevent champion

If you think you may have noticed some signs of radicalisation or extremism at work, and would like to discuss this with someone, you can contact a Prevent champion.

We currently have Prevent champions available in the following directorates:

• adult social care and public health
• children, families and schools
• communities and environment.

You can contact a Prevent champion during normal working hours (generally Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, although some are part time).

How to contact them

You can find a Prevent champion for your directorate in the list below. If you do not have a champion for your directorate, you can contact a representative from another directorate.

Refer someone you are concerned about

If you believe someone is at risk of radicalisation, or has a safeguarding need related to extremism, you can make a referral.