Preventing terrorism and extremism

  • ​Safeguarding children and adults who are vulnerable or at risk of being drawn into terrorist-related activity is one of the main objectives of the Prevent strategy. It is about early intervention to protect and divert people away from the risk they may face before illegality (relating to terrorism) occurs.
  • How to get help

    If you are concerned that an individual or a group of people may be vulnerable to being drawn into extremist or terrorist related activity, such as thinking or preparing to travel to join a conflict (Syria/ Iraq etc.) or a proscribed group or getting involved in right wing groups you can:

    Consult Prevent Team for Advice and Support:   

    Complete the National Prevent Referral Form to refer individuals to 'Channel' for support

    1. Prevent Policing Team ( for initial screening and to consider if suitable to discuss at the Channel Panel and safeguard from being drawn into or supporing terrorism); and
    2. Front Door For Families/ Safeguarding Team (for  all other elements of safeguarding)

    Reporting suspicious activities 

    • Anti-Terrorist Hotline call  0800 789 321
    • Non-emergency Sussex Police call 101 
    • Emergency call 999
    • Anonymously call Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111
    • Anonymously report Online to Crime Stoppers 

    Reporting terrorist content on the internet  Visit GOV.UK to report illegal terrorist information, pictures or videos you’ve found on the internet.

    The web and social media provide many opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable individuals through mobile phones, ipads, home computers and other internet enabled devices. This can happen in someone's home or when out and about. Tackling extremist material is important to protect the public and prevent offences that incite or promote terrorism and extremism.

    The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) was formed in 2010 to investigate and remove online material which breaches UK Terrorism Act.  CTIRU depends on information from the public and communities in our efforts to keep us all safe.  We are asking anyone who has concerns about online content to report to STOP Terrorists’ & Extremists’ presence online.

    Report online terrorist and extremist material now

    For information, advice & support please visit:

    Lets Talk About it’  website - to better understand what is Prevent and Channel, practical help and guidance on: Signs to look out for, online safety and support.

    'Educate Against Hate' provides practical advice and information to parents, teachers and school leaders.  Parents can download resources such as online safety and much more ...

    NSPCC Free Helpline For Adults - 0808 800 5000.  Parents and adults who are concerned about their children being radicalised and impact of terrorism can ring the free helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week and speak with trained staff.  The NSPCC's counsellors will offer information, advice and counselling to adults, they will also support parents on how to talk to their children about issues concerning terrorism.  This video provides more information on the NSPCC campaign.

    FAST (Families Against Stress and Trauma) is a charity based in south London that works nationally to supports vulnerable families and individuals whose lives have been affected by the trauma of losing loved ones to hateful ideologies and groups (such as young people travelling to join conflict in Syria or Iraq).   They also help those families who may be worried about their loved ones possible involvement with terrorist groups or ideologies or acts of terror in the UK.

    For further information and support, go to www.gov.uk/ACT - ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) is a public awareness campaign focusing on the critical role members of public can play in defeating terrorism.  You can download a range of information leaflets and also watch short videos to understand the process at the ACT website.

    ACT  for Youth (Action Counters Terrorism) (downloadable resources and lesson plans)
    ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) awreness e-learning provides nationally recognised Counter Terrorism (CT) guidance to help organisations and groups better understand, and mitigate against, current terrorist methodology.

    Stay Safe - advice for the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.  The film advises those who get caught up in an incident to 'run, hide and tell' - guidance which can be applied to any place.  Run Hide Tell - downloadable poster and film at www.gov.uk/government/publications/stay-safe-film