As Channel 4 series Hollyoaks’ far-right radicalisation storyline comes to a climax on E4 on Friday, November 15, the national Co-ordinator for Prevent, Chief Supt Nik Adams, has taken part in a short film exploring the real-life impact of far-right radicalisation.
Telling the true story of ‘John’ – a young man who rejected a life of extremism after a Prevent intervention by the authorities – in his own words, the film explores how the safeguarding scheme works to protect vulnerable people from radicalisation.
While ‘John’ recounts his journey from far-right extremist to Prevent champion, the video cuts to an interview between Kieron Richardson – who plays the storyline’s main character Ste Hay – and Chief Supt Nik Adams, who explains what Prevent is and how it helps people.
Chief Supt Adams says: “At its core, Prevent is an early intervention programme which tries to steer vulnerable people away from radicalisation and extremist views. It doesn’t matter whether the risk is from far right extremism or Islamist extremism, Prevent has dedicated professionals on hand who can try and help someone take a different path, away from the hatred and intolerance.
“Frequently it will be friends and family who are the first to spot the signs that someone is being radicalised and that can be scary, especially when you don’t know what to do.
“But this video shows that we can help you recognise the signs, we can get you the assistance you need and that one wrong turn doesn’t need to ruin someone’s life – Prevent is here to help.”
The film also features Hollyoaks cast members Harvey Virdi (Misbah) and Ray Quinn (Jonny), who reflect on working on the storyline. Kieron Richardson added: “This has been a scary yet rewarding storyline to be part of. At times it has been an uncomfortable watch but imagine what it feels like for people who live on the receiving end of the hate.
“Far right extremism exists but there is help available to those who want it.”
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