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 the Radicalisation Awareness Seminar at the Riverside Centre on Tuesday, hosted by the Isle of Wight Prevent Board and delivered by Groundswell, whose experienced facilitators brought professional expertise and lived-experience insight to the sessions.
Recognising early signs of radicalisation
The three-hour event brought together practitioners from education, health, social care, police, community services and other partner agencies to strengthen their understanding of how to recognise early signs of radicalisation and respond with the right support.
Three specialist speakers
A key highlight of the day was the contribution of three specialist speakers, each bringing expert knowledge from their professional fields, alongside powerful insight drawn from lived experience.
Their input gave attendees a deeper understanding of how extremist influences can develop, particularly in online spaces, and the real-world impact this can have on individuals and families.
The interactive seminar focused on practical safeguarding skills, including how extremist groups target and recruit, the growing role of digital platforms, and how professionals can confidently make appropriate Prevent referrals.
Attendees also had the opportunity to build networks across agencies and share approaches to strengthening resilience in schools, care settings and community services.
Baxter: What really stood out was the strength of partnership on the Island
Cameron Baxter, 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.”
Find out more
To find out more about safeguarding and Prevent, visit:
If there is an immediate threat or danger, contact emergency services on 999.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
