“Prevent policy should be effective, inclusive, and non-discriminatory to safeguard the youth and wider community.”
Yesterday, Bristol Somali Youth Voice and the Bristol Somali Forum organised a Youth Radicalisation Conference at City Academy in Bristol. The event brought together a wide range of community stakeholders, including community leaders, faith groups, women’s groups, local politicians (councillors and MPs), local service providers, and young people, to discuss the challenges facing youth in the community.
The conference created a platform and safe space for open dialogue about the Prevent policy—its concerns, gaps, and effectiveness of the policy in safeguarding young people. Discussions focused on how the policy could better tackle extremist ideologies, provide early interventions, and support vulnerable individuals at risk of being groomed or recruited by extremist groups.
Different community stakeholders has attended and contributed to the event include representatives from the Home Office Prevent team, local neighbourhood police, teachers, professionals from the community, and the youth. The event allowed participants to voice their concerns about discrimination, while also giving the Prevent team the opportunity to explain their approach and listen directly to the community. This two-way dialogue helped foster mutual understanding and highlighted the importance of developing a safeguarding strategy that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and non-discriminatory, particularly towards Muslim communities in Bristol and across the UK.
The turnout was excellent, and the discussions were challenging, honest, and highly educational. While some participants voiced concerns about Prevent disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, others stressed its importance in safeguarding and building resilience. Importantly, the event ensured that all perspectives were heard, creating greater shared understanding and trust.
Special thanks go to Mohamed A. Sayaqle, Abdul Ahmed, Kayser Abdullahi, David Miller, the Prevent team, and all the young people and community members who contributed and took part in these vital discussions.