Preventing radicalisation

Prevent helps vulnerable people at risk of being recruited by terrorist or extremist groups, whether in this country or abroad.

Prevent is one of the four elements of the Government’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Contest. There are 4 elements of this strategy: Prepare, Protect, Pursue and Prevent.

Prevent aims to challenge extremist ideologies and prevent people from becoming radicalised and involved in terrorism and/or supporting terrorist activities.

 The Prevent strategy aims to:

• support people who are at risk of being drawn into terrorist or extremist activity and being radicalised;
• work with and support community groups and social enterprise projects that provide support to vulnerable people;
• work with faith groups and institutions to help them in providing support and guidance to people who may be vulnerable; and
• support local schools, local businesses and partner agencies through engagement, advice and training.

This enables us to identify those who are most vulnerable to radicalisation and intervene before they commit any offences.

The Home Office provide more information on Prevent and also provide e-learning training on Prevent

How to spot the signs

Some people in the community can be vulnerable or susceptible to the process of radicalisation. This may be as a result of their personal circumstances, experiences or state of mind which can place them at risk.

Below are some signs which can help to spot the signs of a person at risk.

• Is at a transitional time of their life.
• Has a need for identity, meaning and belonging.
• Has social network involvement in extremism.
• Is being influenced or controlled by a group.
• Has feelings of grievance and injustice.
• Has a desire for status.
• Has a desire for excitement and adventure.
• Has a need to dominate and control others.
• Has a desire for political or moral change.

The list above is not exhaustive and all or none may be present in individual cases of concern.

If you are concerned about someone in your community, please contact your local police force by dialling 101 and ask for the Prevent team. If you require urgent assistance, always dial 999.

Further information

For further advice, guidance, and support regarding radicalisation and extremism, please visit the ACT Early website This website provides detailed information around signs of radicalisation real-life stories from those who have gone through similar experiences, and tips for staying safe online