Help prevent someone you know from becoming a terrorist or supporting terrorism or extremist behaviour by referring them to our radicalisation support programme.
Signs someone is at risk of radicalisation
Everyone is different. No checklist can tell us if someone has extremist views, is being radicalised or is becoming involved in terrorism.
However, some signs might indicate a cause for concern. If a person is:
- Viewing extremist content online or downloading propaganda.
- Justifying violence to solve issues in society.
- Changing the way they dress or their appearance to match an extremist group.
- Unwilling to interact with people who are different.
- Using symbols linked to terrorist organizations.
- Isolating themselves from family and friends.
- Unwilling to discuss their views or listen to different opinions.
- Suddenly showing disrespect towards others.
- Becoming angrier or more argumentative.
- Being more secretive, especially about internet use.
- Using "us versus them" language.
Report or refer someone at risk of radicalisation
You don't need a person's consent to report or refer them if you feel they're at risk. If the person at risk is under 18, you may wish to speak to their parents, but you don't have to.
If you’re worried someone is at risk of radicalisation you can:
- Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764 - share your concerns in confidence with specially trained officers.
- Call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321 - anonymously report possible terrorist or extremist activity.
- Refer someone at risk of radicalisation - if you're a public sector staff member, complete the referral form and email it to us using the details on the form.
Help the person at risk will receive
The person will be referred to the Channel Panel programme. Participation in the programme is voluntary.
We cannot force the person to take part but we'll try our best to give them the support they need.
The Channel Panel will help the person you refer by:
- Identifying if the person is at risk.
- Assessing the nature and extent of that risk.
- Developing the most appropriate support plan.
- Reviewing the impact and effectiveness of the support provided.
Criminal records
The programme does not criminalise people for holding extreme views. It does not result in the person you refer having a criminal record through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
A crime will only be recorded if the person you refer has committed an actual crime. As an early intervention programme, it operates as a safeguarding process to protect from radicalisation and offers appropriate support.
Definition of extremism
In 2024, the government defined extremism as:
"The promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
- Negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
- Undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
- Intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)."
Definition of radicalisation
Radicalisation is when people start to believe in more extreme political, religious, or other ideas. This can make them support violent extremism and terrorism.
Why the referral programme was created
The referral programme was created by the Home Office as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy.
It aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
More information
Find out how the Prevent programme supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through radicalisation.