Members Space

Welcome to AVID's dedicated members space for visitor groups and anyone committed to challenging immigration detention through solidarity, shared learning and collective action.

About AVID and This Space

The AVID network exists to support visitors in providing vital solidarity to people in immigration detention across the UK. You've joined something powerful: a community of people who refuse to accept that detention is inevitable or just, built on 30+ years of collective wisdom and knowledge.

As an AVID network member, you're part of a support system where we come together to learn, share resources, reflect on our practice, and strengthen our collective action to a system designed to isolate and dehumanize. This platform connects you to evidence-based training, policy updates, and practical guidance - all shared within our community.

‍What you'll find here:

• Practical visiting skills and solidarity practices from our community
• Up-to-date analysis of detention policies and how they affect the people we visit
• Stories and strategies from visitors, people with lived experience, and organisers
• Resources for healing and community care as we navigate this work together

Your Resources

Training Library

Here you'll find recordings from previous trainings offered by AVID to network members. These sessions are delivered by visitors, academics, and partners with expertise in immigration detention, designed to build understanding of policy, practice, current trends and wider systemic issues around detention.

The Visitor Handbook

Written by and for our community, this essential guide combines practical advice and guidance with AVID network's 30+ years of collective wisdom we've gathered about effective, caring, and politically-conscious visiting practice. Access the AVID's Visitors Handbook Here.

For Group Coordinators

Group Coordinators: Your role requires enhanced resources and coordination tools. If you are new to AVID network, please contact our team directly to access your dedicated shared drive, which includes a wealth of further resources and guidance on group co-ordination, group management training materials and infrastructure resources. You will be also added to our Members' Forum(Google Group) to directly communicate with other co-ordianators in the network.

Platform Development and Feedback

This space is new and has been designed with visitors in mind with the aim of making our knowledgebase as accessible as possible. We are keen to hear how we might continue to develop this area and make sure that visitors have access to the information that they need. If you have ideas, we are keen to hear from you and you can contact us on enquiries@aviddetention.org.uk.

Why We Do This Work

Immigration detention visiting is complex, demanding work that requires emotional resilience and deep community care. Immigration detention exists to break people's spirits, to make them disappear from our consciousness, to convince society that some humans are disposable. Every time we walk through those doors, we're making a different statement: You are not forgotten. You belong. Your freedom matters.

Through AVID membership, you join a nationwide community who understand that effective visiting goes beyond personal support—it challenges systemic injustices and affirms the dignity and belonging of people in detention.

You are part of something bigger. Every visit, every letter, every conversation with friends and neighbours about what you've witnessed contributes to a growing movement that refuses to accept detention as normal or necessary.

This Members Space equips you with the knowledge, skills, and community support needed to maximize your impact.