PREVENT

Prevent aims to reduce terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists and supporting terrorism. Neath Port Talbot has set up a Channel Panel which is a local multi agency panel who meet to discuss referrals of vulnerable people at risk from being drawn into terrorism.

What does Channel do?

The Channel Panel seeks to safeguard individuals who might be vulnerable to being radicalised so that they are not at risk of being drawn into terrorist related activity.

How does Channel work?

The Channel process identifies those most at risk of radicalisation and refers them via the police or local authority to the Channel Panel who will consider how best to support their vulnerability through a support package tailored to their needs. The support is monitored and reviewed by the Channel Panel.

What factors can put people at risk?

There is no single way of identifying who is likely to be vulnerable in this way. Factors may include;

peer pressure
influence from other people or the internet
family tensions
race/hate crime
lack of self-esteem or identity
personal or political grievances.

How do I make a referral to Channel?

Referrals to the Channel Panel are co-ordinated by the police but can come from a wide range of sources, including members of the public.

If there is no immediate threat

Members of the public can report to 101

Statutory organisations can report to the Safeguarding lead in their directorate/team.

In cases of immediate threat

If you have seen a person acting suspiciously or if you see a vehicle, unattended package or bag that may be an immediate threat, move away and call 999.

What is the UK Government doing?

Section 29 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on local authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

The Prevent strategy published by the Government in 2011 has three specific objectives:

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face form 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