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CTP launch new website to prevent radicalisation

Counter Terrorism Policing have launched a new website specifically designed to help those who are concerned someone they care about is being radicalised.

The impact of coronavirus, social isolation and a rise in hateful extremism online is creating a ‘perfect storm’ which is making more young people vulnerable to radicalisation and other forms of grooming.

Police have now launched the ACT Early website to provide advice, guidance and support for anyone who is concerned that someone they know may be at risk from being radicalised by terrorists or extremist content online.

Police data shows that 17 children have been arrested in relation to terrorism offences between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2020, with nearly all having been radicalised entirely online.

In the same time period, more than 1,500 children under the age of 15 were helped by the Prevent programme to choose a different path, away from hatred and violence. Prevent is a programme delivered locally by teachers, healthcare practitioners, social workers, the police, charities, and religious leaders, which places protection around people vulnerable to radicalisation, stopping them from being drawn into terrorism – regardless of the ideology.

With coronavirus preventing regular access to schools, social workers and mental health support, specialists at CTP are concerned that people who need help are not getting it – which makes it more important for friends and family to use the new ACT Early resources to understand what might be happening to their loved one and what support Prevent can provide.

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