Radicalisation risk rises as referrals go up by 35%

THE number of young people in Cheshire East referred to a safeguarding programme after being identified as being at risk of radicalisation has increased by 35 per cent over the past year.

- BY BELINDA RYAN Local Democracy Reporter

And most referrals to the Channel safeguarding programme are children aged between 11 and 17.

Jill Broomhall, director of adults' social care operations, told Cheshire East's adults and health committee the council had updated its Prevent programme and Channel Panel.

"Prevent is part of the UK's Contest counter terrorism strategy, the aim being to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

"Channel Panel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme for individuals who have been identified as being at risk of radicalisation," said Mrs Broomhall.