In Wokingham, PREVENT is part of our wider work to build safe, resilient communities.

We work with partners to:

• understand local risks,
• provide training for professionals, and
• raise awareness across communities.

The Council supports a multi‑agency Channel Panel, which brings together relevant organisations to offer voluntary, proportionate support to people who may be at risk of being influenced by extremist ideas.

PREVENT is delivered through the borough’s Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership, working alongside safeguarding arrangements to protect vulnerable residents.

There is no single profile of someone who may become vulnerable to radicalisation. Everyone’s circumstances are different, there is no checklist that can tell us if someone is being radicalised and radicalisation can occur both in person and online.

 Some signs that may suggest someone needs support include:

• searching for, [looking at], or sharing extremist material online
• showing a strong interest in violence or wanting to harm groups of people
• using symbols or language linked to terrorist groups
• becoming withdrawn or disengaging from usual activities
• expressing strong feelings of anger, grievance or injustice
• going missing from home, school or a care setting
• forming new friendships linked to extremist beliefs
• using “us and them” language

Seeing one sign alone does not mean someone is being radicalised, but changes in behaviour may indicate that extra support is needed.

Helpful approaches

• keep explanations calm and age‑appropriate
• offer reassurance and stability
• listen without judgement to worries or fears

Seek advice early

If you’re worried about someone, get advice as soon as you can. Early help can prevent harm. All concerns are treated confidentially and sensitively.
- Notice, changes that concern you
- Check, if there is anything else that could explain the change
- Share, your concerns early so support can be offered

• Visit the Act Early website If you’re worried about someone, including friends, or family
• Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers. This support line is available 24 hours every day
• Access government guidance

In an emergency, dial 999.

To report suspicious activity that may indicate a terrorist threat, call the anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321.

Report a concern about information found online
If you have found material online which is illegal or of an extremist nature, you can report it anonymously: Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism (GOV.UK).