How to Recognise Concerns and Get Help - Counter Terrorism
It can be hard to know what to do if you are worried about someone who is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead them harming themselves or others.
Friends and family are often the first to spot worrying changes taking place. These can be big or small changes that take place very quickly or over a longer period.
Anyone can be vulnerable to radicalisation, regardless of age, background, religion, education or social circumstances.
You may notice one or more of the following:
· 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
· Trust your instincts and if you’re concerned seek advice
· Desire for status, need to dominate
More important than any one specific sign is the sense that something is not quite right with the person you’re worried about. You could spot one sign or a combination of signs that are increasing in intensity.
Sometimes they can be indicators of other underlying issues or challenges that are not connected to radicalisation
If you are a member of the public and you have concerns about the behaviours of an individual you should contact:
The Police:
- Call 999 if you believe there is immediate risk or danger.
- Call101 for non-emergency concerns
- You can report online at www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/prevent
Report Anonymously:
- Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (Free 24/7) or via the website crimestoppers-uk.org
- Fearless: Young people can report via the website Fearless.org
Report Concerns About a Child or Adult in Carmarthenshire
- Children & Family Services - 01554 742322 - CRTChildren@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
- Adult Safeguarding - 0300 333 2222 - adultsafeguarding@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Prevent is a national safeguarding programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that people susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions and communities are protected against radicalising influences.
If you are worried that someone you know is being radicalised. The earlier you seek advice, the sooner you can help to stop that person becoming a danger to themself or others. If you have concerns you can make a referral to: Prevent
Anyone who is being radicalised can be referred to Prevent. Referring someone ensures they get the help they need to keep them and others safe.
Getting support from Prevent is not a punishment and won’t go on a person’s criminal record.
A Prevent referral will follow this process:
1. Initial assessment of referral by local Police
When a referral is made, the local police force is the first to review it. They check if there is an immediate security threat and assess whether there is a genuine risk of radicalisation.
2. If the police determine that the person is not at risk of radicalisation, they won't be considered a case for Prevent. Instead, they might be offered other support services, such as mental health services or social services, if needed.
3. If there is a risk of radicalisation, a panel of local experts assesses the referral. The panel is led by the local authority and may include the police, children’s services, social services, education professionals and mental health care professionals.
4. If the panel decides that a person is at risk, they’ll be invited to join a support programme called Channel. This is voluntary, so a person can choose whether to take part. If a person chooses not to take part in the programme, they may be offered other support instead and any risk will be managed by the police.
Channel is a multi-agency, safeguarding programme run in every local authority. A wide range of partners work together such as Adults and Children’s Social Care, NHS, education settings and Police to facilitate a programme.
Participation in Channel is voluntary, and individuals (or their parents/carers for children aged under 18) must consent to the receiving of support. Participating in the Channel process does not lead to a criminal record.
The support provided by the Channel programme may include:
· mentoring
· mental health support such as counselling
· education or career development support
· online safety training for parents
The panel will regularly review and monitor the support programme.
