About Prevent
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter‑terrorism strategy, but at its core it is a safeguarding approach. Its purpose is to support people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into extremism or terrorist violence.
Prevent is not about policing beliefs or spying on communities. It focuses on early help and support, recognising that people can become vulnerable for many reasons and may need guidance before harm occurs.
The Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership oversees Prevent locally, working under the Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This law places a duty on organisations such as councils, schools, police and health services to take steps to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Prevent applies to all forms of extremism, and is delivered in partnership with wider safeguarding arrangements.
How Prevent works:
The Council’s Community Safety Team works with Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) and partners to deliver Prevent locally through three main areas:
- Training and awareness: Staff and volunteers are trained to recognise possible signs of radicalisation and respond appropriately (See Training available here)
- Risk assessment: The SCP and police share information to identify local risks and assess concerns individually. Vulnerability factors may include isolation, poor mental health, or experiences of hate or discrimination.
- Channel Panel: A multi-agency panel, led by the Council, meets regularly to review referrals and coordinate support for people at risk of radicalisation. If someone is identified as being at risk, the Panel can offer a voluntary, tailored support plan, agreed with their consent. Support may include mentoring, mental health support, help with education or employment, or other services that build confidence, resilience and critical thinking. Channel is a safeguarding process, not a criminal investigation, and often involves working with families where that is helpful.
Prevent for Schools
Schools play a vital role in protecting pupils from extremism and radicalisation, as outlined in the Prevent Duty.
If you are concerned that someone (an adult or a child) may be at risk of radicalisation or expressing violent extremist views, support is available.
Immediate danger
If you believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm or violence, call 999. This includes situations where someone is making direct threats or appears to be preparing to carry out violence. The police will act quickly to keep people safe.
Concerns that are not urgent
If there is no immediate danger but something feels worrying, there are several ways to seek advice or share concerns:
- Police advice:
Call 101 and ask to speak to a Prevent officer. They can listen, offer guidance and advise on next steps.
- Prevent Referral
Email Prevent National Referral Form - preventreferralsreading@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
When sending a referral, please include enough information to help us understand the concern and assess it safely.
What to include
- The person’s full name, date of birth and address
- Any other helpful details, where known (for example family members, contact details or online activity connected to the concern)
- Your name, role and contact details
- A clear explanation of what is worrying you, including relevant context or recent changes in behaviour
Providing clear and accurate information helps ensure the right support can be considered at the earliest stage. Referrals are monitored during office hours, Monday to Friday. A member of the Thames Valley Police Prevent Team will contact you to gather any further information or offer advice.
If you are concerned about immediate risk, or need to speak to someone outside office hours, please call 101 and ask for the on‑call Special Branch Sergeant.
- Safeguarding routes:
Prevent is closely linked to safeguarding, and concerns can be shared in the same way as other safeguarding issues.
- For a child or young person (under 18):
Contact MASH on 0118 908 8002 or email triage@wokingham.gov.uk.
Out of hours, call 01344 351999.
- For an adult:
Contact the Adult Safeguarding Hub on 0118 974 6371 or email AdultSafeguardingHub@wokingham.gov.uk.
- ACT Early advice line:
You can also call the national Prevent advice line (ACT Early) on 0800 011 3764 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm). This confidential service is for anyone who wants to talk through a concern and get advice before making a referral.
Further information and guidance is available on the ACT Early and GOV.UK Prevent websites.
What happens next
If a Prevent referral is made, it will be triaged by the Police Prevent Team and if appropriate considered by the Channel Panel. If support is appropriate, the person will be invited to take part in a voluntary safeguarding programme. Channel is not a criminal process and does not give someone a criminal record. Its purpose is to offer support, reduce harm and build resilience.
A shared responsibility
Prevent is not just about referrals. It is about creating safe, inclusive environments where people feel supported and less vulnerable to harm. Professionals should be familiar with their organisation’s Prevent arrangements and know who to speak to if they have concerns.
By working together, sharing concerns early and offering support with care and compassion, partners in Wokingham help protect individuals and strengthen safe, resilient communities.
Working with communities
The partnership works closely with local communities, faith groups and voluntary organisations to build trust, raise awareness and reduce stigma around asking for help. We encourage open conversations and promote the message that Prevent is about safeguarding, not spying.
We also work to reduce hate crime and hate incidents, recognising that experiences of hate can increase vulnerability. Addressing hate and supporting community cohesion are key parts of preventing harm.