The North West Counter Terrorism Unit has launched a short film to highlight Prevent – that part of the Government strategy aiming to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
The film portrays what preventing people from being drawn into terrorism means for, besides police, health, education and community workers and highlights that preventing terrorism is a joint responsibility.
The film formed part of Prevent Week, a national campaign to promote how police, partners and the public can play their part in keeping the UK safe from terrorism by being aware of signs of radicalisation and sharing their concerns.
GMP (Greater Manchester Police) Prevent Officers and City Centre Neighbourhood Officers were in Central Manchester during Prevent Week to talk to locals about Prevent.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett, North West lead for counter terrorism said: “We all must play a part in preventing terrorism and work together to safeguard vulnerable people from being drawn in and exploited. Our engagement activity throughout this week has helped raise awareness of the importance of Prevent to many different partners. We will continue to encourage people to talk about the issues around radicalisation and violent extremism and come forward with their concerns to help protect individuals, families and communities.”
Ann Christopher, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Adults at Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trust who took part in the short film, said: “The NHS comes in to contact with very vulnerable people on a regular basis who may be at risk of being groomed, which could include exploitation by violent extremists and terrorists. Staff within the NHS receive training in Prevent to help identify people who may be at risk of radicalisation and we are one of many avenues of support for people who are concerned about somebody and we encourage people to come forward and have that conversation.”
Viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y06MKUo6snQ.
