Helping mental health services safeguard people from radicalisation
We are updating the guidance for mental health services on how they should exercise their duties to safeguard people from the risk of radicalisation
What is the issue?
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The UK Government’s Prevent programme aims to stop people from being drawn into terrorism by identifying risks and intervening early. Prevent sits alongside long-established safeguarding duties, whereby agencies, including mental health services, can make referrals and then, where appropriate, individuals may receive targeted support designed to mitigate their susceptibility to radicalisation. In recognition of the specific role of mental health services in working with vulnerable populations, dedicated Prevent guidance for mental health services was developed in 2017.
However, since 2017, the context in which Prevent operates has changed significantly. For example, the landscape of extremist threats has changed, as has the capacity and practices of mental health services.
This project, commissioned by the UK Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), addresses the need for updated, evidence-informed guidance for UK healthcare professionals.
How are we helping?
To produce updated guidance, we are undertaking the following activities:
- Rapid evidence assessment: Reviewing academic and policy literature on the links between mental health, neurodivergence, and radicalisation.
- Policy review: Conducting a detailed analysis of existing policy guidance related to the Prevent programme.
- Targeted expert interviews: Engaging with stakeholders familiar with Prevent guidance and related processes. Participants include clinical leaders and frontline staff in NHS mental health trusts, law enforcement representatives, charities with expertise in neurodivergence and radicalisation prevention experts.
- Validation workshop: Hosting a workshop with 23 participants from across the NHS, government and the charitable sector to test and refine proposed guidance drafts.
Drawing on insights from the evidence assessment, interviews, and workshop, we will produce revised guidance that reflects the latest understanding and best practice. The final version will undergo peer review by a broad range of experts.
