Are you a visitor?
Visitors stand alongside people in detention, offering emotional support, sharing important information and connecting people with the outside world. Visitors are a reminder that people in detention are not forgotten and belong in our communities, not behind bars.
Why is visiting important?
We believe in the power of visiting.
Whatever someone's situation, being held in detention is traumatic. The emotional and practical solidarity of a visitor can make a huge difference. Frequently, a visitor is the only person someone in detention sees from outside who is not part of the Home Office. This relationship can become a lifeline, enabling someone to feel less isolated as they work to understand their situation and access their rights.
AVID exists to join with and support visitors in this vital role.
Support for visitor groups
Visitor groups in the AVID network are independent organisations. They work with AVID and each other to ensure that people in detention across the UK have access to the emotional and practical support of volunteer visitors and to demand change based on what they learn from those they meet in detention.
Training for visitors
Visiting immigration detention centres is not easy. We support visitors to navigate the challenges of visiting and act in solidarity with people in detention. We provide an ongoing and varied training programme for visitors who are members of our network. This includes educational talks, guidance on detention policy and visiting skills support. If you are an AVID member you can login to view past trainings here.
Visitor Handbook
Packed with information on visiting skills, along with technical and practical information, our Handbook is a vital resource for anyone who wants to know more about standing in solidarity with people in detention centres or held in prison under immigration powers.
(We are currently working on the new edition of the handbook which will be available in a digital version soon)
Ratha, Visitor with Manchester Immigration Detainee Support Team (MIDST)
How to get involved
Join your local visitor group
There are detention facilities across the country, check the map to find the contact details for your nearest group. AVID member groups have their own recruitment processes. You can contact them directly to find out more.
Set up a new group
It may be that you do not live near an immigration detention facility. However, many people are held under Immigration Act powers in prisons. AVID is keen to hear from anyone who is interested in helping to set up a group to visit people detained in prisons in their area and will support you to do so. Please contact us for more information.
Get involved with a Project
Join us in advocating for change by participating in a project with AVID or with one of AVID's members. Members of AVID are often finding new and different ways to raise awareness and engage with the public or decision makers. Sign petitions, attend events, or volunteer your time to amplify our collective voice to make detention history.
Visitors' Stories
Visitors' constant presence has, for many people, been a lifeline, offering support at a time when there is no one else to turn to. It’s also helped ensure that issues and injustices that would otherwise remain hidden have reached people beyond the walls of detention.
Resources
As well as our visitor handbook we publish shorter guides to provide additional advice and support and in response to regular changes in policy and practice.
Make a donation
We need funds to continue our work of building communities of solidarity with people in detention across the UK and advocating for a more humane system in 2024.
Sign up for our newsletter
Stay informed with AVID's newsletter for updates on events, training, funding, campaigns, and ways to help.