PREVENT is part of the Government’s counter terrorism strategy CONTEST and aims to provide support and redirection to vulnerable adults at risk of radicalisaion, or being groomed into terrorist activity, before any crimes are committed. The aim of radicalisation is to attract and embed people to extreme views, inspire new recruits and persuade vulnerable adults of the legitimacy of their cause. This may be directed through a relationship or social media. There are a number of factors that may make an individual more vulnerable to exploitation by violent extremists.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act requires specific authorities, in the exercise of their function to have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The support available for individuals at risk of being radicalised is called Channel. The Channel Panel is a multi-agency panel which aims to develop an appropriate package to safeguard those at risk of being drawn into terrorism based on assessment of their vulnerability and risk of being drawn into radicalisation. The risk is managed in line with other multi-agency panels such as the Multi Agency Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Representaives from NHS Lewisham CCG attend the panel.
For more information, please visit www.lewisham.gov.uk or email prevent@lewisham.gov.uk or tel 07710 387 930. If it is an urgent matter and a crime is being committed call 999.