Prevent: working together to keep Glasgow safe

Prevent is one of four strands of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy along with Pursue, Protect and Prepare. Prevent aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent also includes supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.

How does Prevent work?

Prevent works by identifying people who may be at risk of radicalisation. This can happen in person or online. If someone is found to be at risk, Prevent offers support—like mentoring, counselling, education, or online safety training — to help them move away from ideologies.

Anyone can refer someone to Prevent, and referrals are confidential. If you’re worried about someone, you can get advice or make a referral at glasgow.gov.uk/prevent.

Who delivers prevent?

Prevent is delivered locally by experts who understand the risks in their communities. Partners include Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, Education, Health, and charities. Everyone has a role to play in keeping Glasgow safe — Prevent is a partnership, not led by one single agency.

What happens when someone is referred?

• Police Scotland’s Prevent Delivery Unit checks for any immediate security threat and assesses the risk of radicalisation.
• If there’s a risk, a panel of local experts meet to decide what support is needed to safeguard the individual.
• Support can include mentoring, counselling, education, career advice, or online safety training .

Key messages

• Prevent is about safeguarding people who are vulnerable to radicalisation.
• Prevent encourages positive debate and discussion, helping people build critical thinking skills and resilience.
• Communities should feel confident and clear about how to engage with public agencies if they have concerns.

Further information and how to make a referral

For more information, advice, or to make a referral, visit glasgow.gov.uk/prevent. You can also contact the Prevent team at prevent@glasgow.gov.uk.

Lynsey Smith, Head of Adult Services (Justice Services) and Health and Social Care Connect commented: “Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to safeguarding our communities through the Prevent initiative. By working closely with multi-agency partners including Education, Police, and third sector organisations we ensure a coordinated, compassionate response that protects vulnerable individuals and promotes resilience across the city.”