ACT Early
Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism by Acting Early
The main ACT Early website is currently undergoing redevelopment work. Here you can find essential information on what to look for and how to access support for anyone you know who is being radicalised or vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process by which someone can be drawn into supporting terrorist causes or committing acts of terrorism. There are many factors that can make someone vulnerable to radicalisation. They can apply to any age, gender, social class, religious, ethnic or national background.
What are the signs to spot?
Some of the common signs to spot that someone might be being radicalised include:
- Being influenced or controlled by a group
- An obsessive or angry desire for change in the world
- Spending an increasing amount of time online and/or sharing extreme views on social media
- A need for identity, meaning and belonging
- Looking to blame others for problems in the world or at home
- A desire for status, or need to dominate others
More important than any one specific sign is the sense that something is not quite right with the person you are worried about. You could spot one thing 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, or even signs of ‘normal’ teenage behaviour. If you are concerned, trust your instincts and contact us via the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, or seek further advice.
How can I get help about my concerns?
It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is being radicalised, or expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. Working with other organisations including local authorities, the police protect vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism through a Home Office programme called Prevent.
ACT Early and tell us your concerns in confidence. You won’t be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers. The Support Line is open 24 hours every day.
Please note this phoneline is for the public, friends and family who may be worried about someone close to them. Statutory partners (people working in the NHS, schools, colleges or local authorities for example) should seek advice regarding Prevent from the local safeguarding lead, the local authority safeguarding hub or fill out the National Prevent Referral Form.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a police non-emergency number is available as a text phone service on 18001 101.
In an emergency always call 999.
What will happen if I call the ACT Early Support Line?
We’ll need some information about the person you’re worried about. We may need to ask you more questions, to make sure we’re taking the right steps. You don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.
Your personal details will be kept safe. Anything you tell us will only be seen by a small number of specially trained police officers and staff who need to see it. If we talk to our partners, we may need to share some information with them – but only to find the right support for the person you are worried about.
If appropriate, the person you tell us about will be considered for a referral to Prevent.
What is Prevent?
Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work locally with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups, to support vulnerable people move away from extremism and radicalisation.
We do this through a Home Office programme called Prevent. Because all the organisations are involved from the start, the person can have their needs assessed in the round and get the help they need quickly. Working together we have helped thousands of people choose a more positive path.
The first step is for a person to be referred into Prevent. An assessment will then be made of that person’s case by specially-trained police officers or staff. If appropriate, a person may then be considered for multi-agency Channel support.
What is Channel?
Channel is part of the Home Office’s Prevent programme. It’s a voluntary early intervention programme that supports people who have been assessed as being at risk of radicalisation. Many types of support are available as part of Channel. These might include support at school, in the workplace, or for mental health concerns for example. It may also involve mentoring support to help support a person move away from an extremist ideology or mindset. It works with all kinds of groups and organisations, and is concerned with all forms of extremism or radicalisation.
Taking part in Channel doesn’t go on someone’s criminal record. It means getting the right kind of help for the person who needs support.
Where else can I get advice or support?
- Educate Against Hate – Advice and resources for teachers and schools on extremism and radicalisation
- Childline – Direct counselling and advice for children on a wide range of issues. 0800 1111
- NSPCC – Information, support and advice for anyone who is worried about a child
- Counter Terrorism Policing – more information about who Counter Terrorism Policing are and what we do.
Always call 999 in an emergency