Are you in detention?
If you are in detention, or a friend or family member of someone who has been detained, it can be difficult to access accurate information. The first few days in detention, in particular, can be confusing, upsetting and difficult. We are here to help.
How can a visitor support you?
Visitors are people, usually from communities local to detention centres, who understand the challenges of detention and want to help. Visitors are independent from the immigration detention centre and can arrange regular times to visit you. Visitors can support you by:
Are you in detention and in need of immediate support?
Offering moral support
Visitors understand that it is completely normal to feel frustration and sadness whilst in detention. They will not diminish the severity of your situation. They may too have gone through life’s challenges and are there to listen and talk without judgement.
Signposting to other organisations
Visitors can refer you to specialist organisations and law firms for further practical help with areas such as your immigration case, healthcare or wellbeing support after detention. Visitors are not immigration solicitors and they cannot give legal advice.
Assisting practical needs
Visitors can provide you with information on what to expect in detention. They can give you advice on how to raise issues of concern or, with your permission, do this on your behalf. All visitor groups are different so the exact support that a group can offer will depend on where you are in detention. They might be able to help with access to other basic necessities whilst you are in detention.
Resources
Find out more about your rights and what to expect in immigration detention.
Find your local visitor group
Fadwa, previously detained
Friends and Family
When someone is detained, it marks the start of an emotional and challenging time. During this time, contact with family and friends, who can provide essential emotional and material support, is hugely important.
