Published: Thursday 11th February 2021 | 3.39pm
A programme addressing extremism and radicalisation is being delivered to students attending South Staffordshire College this month as part of Cannock Chase Council’s safeguarding work around the Prevent agenda.
In 2020, the Council’s Community Safety Team commissioned Loudmouth Education & Training to create and deliver a brand new theatre in education programme on extremism to local primary and secondary schools.
Due to the success of this programme, the team has received additional funding from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Prevent Targeted Initiative Fund to create a tailored package for students in further education.
Loudmouth has created an extremism awareness home school and live learning resource for students at South Staffordshire College – Cannock Campus.
The ‘One of Us’ programme aims to ensure young people have an increased awareness and understanding of what extremism is and the wider Prevent agenda as well as encouraging people to report their concerns and make a referral to the relevant agency.
The free resource contains a filmed drama and interview plus activities based on Loudmouth’s original successful theatre in education programme. There are also extra lesson plans and an information pack provided.
This forms part of the Council’s wider safeguarding campaign. ‘See something, Say something’, which was launched in 2019 and aims to encourage people to report any concerns they may have about an individual or group.
Councillor Alan Pearson, Porfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships said: “The Council is committed to raising awareness of the Prevent agenda among young people and it is great to see that this innovative extremism programme is now being rolled out to college students.
“With young people spending more time at home and online due to the pandemic, it is vital they understand what extremism is and recognise its associated factors to avoid getting involved in criminality.
“If you have concerns about someone becoming involved in extremism, report it by calling 01785 232054.”
Claire Peake, Employability Co-ordinator from South Staffordshire College said “'The Step Up programme based at Cannock College are using the Loudmouth project to support with tutorials and community awareness. In these difficult times, as a College we are supporting our learners with up to date knowledge of Extremism and radicalisation and how we all need to be aware. Our learners have really engaged with the project and it was great to be a part of this from start to completion.”
Sergeant Calum Forsyth, Prevent Sergeant from Staffordshire Police, said: “Ensuring young people continue to be safeguarded and protected from harmful ideologies is so important during these times of lockdown. It is really good news that Loudmouth has been able to develop this online resource in collaboration with Local Authority Partners which I am sure will be well received.”
For further information about this programme contact the Community Safety team on 01543 464387 or visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/safeguarding