Radicalisation

Spotting the signs of radicalisation and reporting concerns

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

See the spotting the signs of radicalisation leaflet from Let's Talk About It for more information.

The CONTEST Strategy

CONTEST is the UK's strategy for countering terrorism. 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 freely and with confidence.

CONTEST is organised into four parts, each with their own key objectives:

Pursue - to stop terrorist attacks
Prevent - to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
Protect - to strengthen our protection against a terrorist attack
Prepare - to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack

The Building Communities Together Team is involved in the Prevent part of the CONTEST Strategy.

Channel

Channel is an early intervention scheme and multi-agency process, which provides support to those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. Channel works by partners collaboratively assessing the nature and the extent of the risk and, where necessary, providing an appropriate support package tailored to an individual's needs. Channel is a voluntary programme.

See the Prevent and Channel information leaflet for more details.

Reporting concerns

It is important to remember that safeguarding vulnerable people from radicalisation is no different to safeguarding them from other forms of potential harm.

If you're concerned about someone, or a group in your community, please report your concerns to your local police force by emailing prevent@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

In an emergency, please phone 999.

In a non-emergency, please phone 101 to contact the police.

If you're concerned that a child or young person is at risk of harm, please contact the Contact, Advice and Assessment Service (CAAS) on 01635 503090 or email child@westberks.gov.uk.

If you're concerned that an adult is at risk of harm, please contact the Safeguarding Adults Team on 01635 519056 or email safeguardingadults@westberks.gov.uk.

Communities Beat Terrorism

The cooperation between the public and the police is a powerful defence. Consequently, in recent years, attacks have been prevented and lives have been saved.

The police depend on information from the public. They can be the eyes and ears and help keep themselves, neighbours and communities safe by reporting suspicious activity or behaviour.

If you've seen or heard something that could suggest a terrorist threat to the UK do not ignore it, report it.

You can report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. You can also report suspicious activity online.

In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.

Act Early

In November 2020, Counter Terrorism Police launched a Prevent campaign called Act Early.

Families and friends are often the first to know when something is not right and can spot worrying behaviour but it can be hard to know what to do. It's important that you trust your instincts and report your concerns in confidence so that you can receive help.

The Act Early website is supported by a national police Prevent advice line, where families and friends can seek help and support in confidence from specialist Counter Terrorism officers.

If you are looking for advice and support about someone you may know then please visit the Act Early website. You will be able to share your concerns with the police, view a range of other support services, read case studies and find signs to spot.