What is Channel?
The multi-agency approach to protect people at risk from radicalisation is called Channel. This uses existing collaboration between local authorities, statutory partners (such as the education and health sectors, social care, children and youth services, specialist youth service and offender management services), the police and the local community to:
- identify individuals at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism
- assess the nature and extent of that risk
- develop the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned.
Channel is about safeguarding children and adults from being drawn into involvement in terrorism. It is about early intervention to address vulnerabilities, and divert people from harm.
Within Cumbria, a multi-agency panel of experts, chaired by the local authority, meets on a monthly basis to discuss referrals to the Channel Panel. The purpose of this meeting is to put in place a package of measures to support individuals who are at risk of becoming radicalised.