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: 

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, there are two Channel Panels, one for Cumberland and the other for Westmorland and Furness, chaired by the local authorities. The panels meet on a regular basis to discuss prevent referrals and the purpose of this meeting to discuss the referral and if required to put in place a package of measures to support individuals who are at risk of becoming radicalised.