The International Student Centre (ISC) is a Methodist Church project, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. As such, we seek to work in accordance with the Christian beliefs, practices and structures of the Methodist Church, striving to create an environment where all can feel welcome, diversity is celebrated and the individual is valued. This is expressed through our practical, social and spiritual support for international students and their families.

For more information about the Methodist Church visit The Methodist Church in Britain

What is the Prevent strategy?

Prevent is a government strategy designed to support those at risk of becoming radicalised and stop people being drawn into terrorism or extremist causes, including (but not limited to) extreme right-wing or religiously-derived extremist groups.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to the International Student Centre (ISC)?

While churches do not currently have a legal obligation to implement aspects of the Prevent Strategy, we recognise that the students in our care are potentially made vulnerable due to issues relating to relocation and language or cultural barriers. Therefore, the ISC aims to protect our students from any extremist and violent views in the same way we seek to protect them from other harm, as part of our responsibility to safeguarding.

What does this mean in practice at the ISC?

At the ISC we address this by offering a safe place for our students to interact with people from a variety of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths, where dialogue is facilitated, the individual is valued and relationships are built.

Any changes in behaviour, concerning viewpoints or language are raised during ongoing pastoral support in the first instance. If there is continued cause for concern, the ISC co-ordinator would consult the District Safeguarding Officer and ACT (Action Counter Terrorism) website for further guidance.

Links to further information and helpful organisations

Government Prevent Strategy guidance - Prevent duty guidance: Guidance for specified authorities in England and Wales (publishing.service.gov.uk)

ACT (Action Counter Terrorism) offer information and advice on identifying the signs of radicalisation and supporting individuals at risk - ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation

Prevent in Newcastle gives local contact information and advice for any questions about Prevent and supporting individuals - Prevent in Newcastle | Newcastle City Council

Methodist Church safeguarding information - Safeguarding (methodist.org.uk)