Frontline Professionals Gather For Island Safeguarding Event On Preventing Radicalisation

Frontline professionals from across the Isle of Wight came together this week for a major safeguarding event focused on preventing radicalisation and protecting vulnerable people.

More than 160 delegates attended a Radicalisation Awareness Seminar at the Riverside Centre on Tuesday.

The event was hosted by the Isle of Wight Prevent Board and delivered by Groundswell, whose facilitators brought both professional expertise and lived-experience insight to the sessions.

The three-hour seminar brought together staff from education, health, social care, police, community services and other partner agencies, helping strengthen understanding of how to spot early signs of radicalisation and provide the right support.

A key highlight was the contribution of three specialist speakers, who shared expert knowledge alongside powerful personal experiences.

Their input gave attendees a deeper insight into how extremist influences can develop — particularly online — and the real-world impact this can have on individuals and families.

The interactive session focused on practical safeguarding skills, including how extremist groups recruit, the growing role of digital platforms, and how professionals can confidently make Prevent referrals.

Delegates also had the opportunity to build stronger links across agencies and share approaches to boosting resilience in schools, care settings and community services.

Cameron Baxter, the Isle of Wight Council’s Prevent Coordinator, said:

“It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from partners across the Isle of Wight.

“Prevent is about early support and safeguarding, and events like this help make sure professionals feel confident recognising concerns and working together to protect vulnerable people in our communities.

“What really stood out was the strength of partnership on the Island.

"Prevent only works when agencies share knowledge and act early, and this conference was all about building that shared understanding so we can support people before issues escalate.”

For more information about safeguarding and Prevent, visit www.gov.uk/prevent-duty-guidance.

Advice on keeping children safe online can be found at www.saferinternet.org.uk.

If there is an immediate threat or danger, contact emergency services on 999.