This page provides further information on Police, Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse, and useful links provided by Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council.

The Berkshire County is covered by the Thames Valley Police, policing areas of Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham, and West Berkshire.

Thames Valley Alert

You can receive alert and information on local incidents in or around your area via the community messaging system Thames Valley Alert. You can sign up to Thames Valley Alert to receive alert via email, text or even voice messages.

Against Racisms and Hate Crimes

Are you experiencing hate crime?

Hate Crime is really serious and we want you to feel safe here, but also equipped to be able to report it.

On Your Side is a UK-wide support and reporting service for East and Southeast Asian communities who experience racism or any forms of hate. You report by filling in a simple 5-minute form, chat with them online or call their 24/7 free helpline.

Please call On Your Side via phone 0808 801 0393 when experienced racism or any form of hate.

Find out more how to do so here:

The Reading Borough Council provides information on Safeguarding and domestic abuse.

Safeguarding means looking out for and trying to protect others in our community who are vulnerable or may be at risk of harm or abuse. There are many types of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, domestic. It can happen at home, work or public place.

If you think that someone is at risk, you must raise an alarm. Everyone can make a difference.

Report Abuse – make it stop

In an emergency – If someone is in danger: call the Police: 999

Adult abuse and neglect

If you are being abused, or are concerned about a vulnerable adult:

Safeguarding Adults – 0118 937 3747 / 01344 786 543 (out of hours)

Child Protection

If you are concerned about a child or young person:

Children’s Single Point of Access – 0118 937 3641

Domestic Abuse

The Home Office’s ‘official’ definition of domestic abuse is “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality”.

Domestic abuse can include psychological, physical, financial, emotional and sexual abuse.

Whatever your situation, you can get help and have the right to live free from domestic abuse. If you feel you are in immediate danger call 999.

If your situation is not urgent, call the police on 101 or contact the Housing Advice Service on 0118 937 2165 to plan your next steps.

More information on domestic abuse is available here

Violence against women and girls

The Home Office has launched a campaign to tackle violence against women and girls. The campaign, called ‘Enough’, aims to challenge perpetrators and raise awareness of what we can all do to call out abuse.

Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) provide refuge and community-based support services for all of those at risk of domestic abuse.

For further information on other support please visit here.

The Reading Borough Council website has covered a range of topics e.g. cost of living advice and support, you will find a list of useful links here.

The Reading Services Guide is a comprehensive guide to local information for all Reading residents.  It includes adult & carer support, run by Reading Borough Council and information on services delivered by their independently-run children’s services company, Brighter Futures for Children. These include the Reading Family Information Service, Reading SEND (Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities) Local Offer and the Disabled Children & Young People’s Register.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) website provides General information for new residents about rubbish and recycling; council tax; voting and elections; schools, nursery and childcare; local libraries; and healthcare information.

WBC has also compiled Links of interest to new arrivals from Hong Kong in Wokingham.  You may download this document via the button below.

Download Document