“The main reason I left the far right was because of my mentor’s guidance.” (Jack, former Prevent referral)
Every year in the UK, Prevent helps hundreds of people leave extremist ideologies behind and walk a safer path. One of the ways in which it does this is through Channel - a voluntary, confidential programme that focuses on providing support to people who are identified as being vulnerable to engaging in terrorism. Nearly 400 individuals received Channel support in 2017/18. What does this support look like in practical terms?
Support provided under Channel is wide-ranging and tailored to the individual. It can include educational help or career advice, dealing with mental or emotional issues, anger management and constructive pursuits. But there is no doubt in my mind that by far the most important and effective element of Channel is mentoring.
