Lewisham Prevent programme
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the national counter-terrorism strategy and aims to stop people being drawn into or supporting terrorism. The strategy focuses on three key areas which are:
- respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat from those who promote it
- prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
- work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address
If you believe that someone you know is at risk of radicalisation, scroll down to our “making a referral and getting support” section. If there is immediate danger, please dial 999.
Spotting the signs of radicalisation
Radicalisation is the process by which people come to support terrorism and extremism and, in some cases, go on to participate in extremist groups.
There is no single route to radicalisation. However, there are certain behaviours you can watch out for that we often see when someone is being led down the path of extremism.
These signs and vulnerabilities are not listed in any order of importance. Our experience shows that some of these behaviours and vulnerabilities can make a person more at risk of being exploited. Identifying them doesn't necessarily mean someone is being radicalised.
There can be other explanations behind the behaviours you are seeing.
If you are worried, then act early and reach out for help to discuss your concerns.
- being influenced or controlled by a group
- an obsessive or angry desire for change or ‘something to be done’
- spending an increasing amount of time online and sharing extreme views on social media
- personal crisis
- need for identity, meaning and belonging
- mental health issues
- looking to blame others
- desire for status; need to dominate
Making a referral and getting support
Members of the public
If you are a member of the public and concerned about a family member, neighbour or someone in your community, you can access support through the Act Early website or by telephoning 0800 011 3764.
Frontline professionals
For frontline professionals who are concerned about an individual they support, please follow your organisation’s standard safeguarding procedures and speak to your designated safeguarding lead.
Designated Safeguarding leads should return this completed form to preventreferrals@met.pnn.police.uk with the following email addresses copied in
- prevent@lewisham.gov.uk
- (Under 18s referrals only) - MashAgency@Lewisham.gov.uk
- (Over 18s referrals only) - gateway@lewisham.gov.uk
What happens after a Prevent referral?
When someone makes a referral, lots of agencies work together to offer support where it is necessary and proportionate to do so. This involves several steps:
The police carefully assess all referrals to see if they are suitable for Channel or whether a different type of support is more appropriate, such as mental health support.
If suitable, the referral is discussed with all relevant partners at a meeting called a Channel panel to decide if an intervention is necessary. The individual who has been referred to Prevent is informed and must give their consent (or via a parent or guardian if they are under the age of 18) before an intervention can take place.
If Channel intervention is required, the panel works with local partners to develop an appropriate tailored support package.
The support package is monitored closely and reviewed regularly by the Channel panel.
The Channel programme
Channel is a voluntary and confidential support programme which safeguards people who have been identified as vulnerable to radicalisation.
This multi-agency programme involves partners from the local authority, the police, education sector, health providers and other groups.
Channel offers various types of support that will address educational, vocational, mental health and other vulnerabilities.
It is not a criminal sanction and it will not affect a person’s criminal record.
Prevent training for professionals
Professionals working with children, young people and adults in Lewisham should refresh their Prevent training every two years.
Online Prevent training can be accessed here: Home Office Prevent Training
All professionals should complete Course 1 as a minimum.
Staff working in Lewisham education settings can access more resources via the Services for Schools website.
Additional resources and support can be found on the Lewisham Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Prevent resources page.
Lewisham Council is unable to offer bespoke Prevent training workshops to individual settings.