Prevent update and related resources
Thursday 14th January 2021
During such uncertain times, there are a number of concerns relating to young people’s health and wellbeing, different forms of exploitation being part of this. As we know, the ongoing pandemic and current restrictions have moved much of daily life and teaching online. This may exacerbate the risk of accessing material inciting hatred or violence through web pages, forums or talking to unknown individuals who may in rare cases, seek to befriend and draw people vulnerable to radicalisation into hateful and sometimes violent sets of ideas.
While Wiltshire is considered a low risk area regarding risk of radicalisation, we want you to be aware of the support available if you have a concern.
It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone is expressing extreme views or hatred, which might lead to harm to themselves or others. Local authorities work collaboratively with partner organisations, such as mental health teams, substance misuse support services and the police, to protect people with their agreement, from being exploited by extremists through a programme called Prevent. Prevent is about supporting and diverting people away from coming to or potentially causing harm, it is not about criminalising them.
A new resource specifically for families and communities who might be worried about someone has been released called ACT Early UK. This website provides information on the signs to look for and the Prevent helpline through which you can seek advice, in confidence, via a specialist Prevent advisor. The earlier you raise any worries, the quicker the individual can access support.
Educate Against Hate provides information for teachers on training and classroom resources to safeguard young people from radicalisation.
For further information please visit the Wiltshire Council Prevent page.
An online Prevent Education Event will be taking place in the Spring for which more information will be released in the next few weeks.
More Prevent information and education links for Wiltshire Schools
