Prevent

Part of the college’s safeguarding duty also includes protecting vulnerable individuals from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. This is called the ‘Prevent Duty’. Prevent is a government initiative aimed at stopping people becoming involved with, or supporting violent extremism.

The government has defined extremism as: “vocal or active opposition to British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”. The college shares and promotes these values across our community.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker the person you care about can be protected from being groomed and exploited by extremists.

Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.

Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence.

They can help if you act early. You won't be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them. To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit actearly.uk.

Contacts

If you are worried about a child, young person or vulnerable adult you can contact the Group Safeguarding Lead, Carol Price, on 01924 789755 or North Yorkshire County Council's customer services centre on 01609 780780, www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk. Outside of business hours call 01609 7806780 to speak to the Emergency Duty Team.

Where a young person or adult is in serious danger of harm outside college hours, always contact the Police on 999.