Visiting at Haslar Immigration Removal Centre
The HVG visiting project is an ongoing project which provides detainees with a volunteer visitor who gives moral support during immigration detention. Visitors may also get involved in providing practical support to detainees or acting as an advocate in communication between detainees and other supportive agencies.
Our annual report (2011) shows that HVG Coordinators made almost 600 visits to 514 detainees. Our visitors also record detainees’ engagement with ongoing visits. The average level of engagement score was 8/10.
A survey amongst ex Haslar detainees found that talking to HVG staff and volunteers gave detainees immense relief from the realities of detention. Comments included:
“It was really good to have someone to speak to that is not inside the Haslar environment. The visits was one of the main things that kept me from going into deep depression. It kept my head above water.”
Our annual report (2011) shows that HVG Coordinators made almost 600 visits to 514 detainees. Our visitors also record detainees’ engagement with ongoing visits. The average level of engagement score was 8/10.
A survey amongst ex Haslar detainees found that talking to HVG staff and volunteers gave detainees immense relief from the realities of detention. Comments included:
“It was really good to have someone to speak to that is not inside the Haslar environment. The visits was one of the main things that kept me from going into deep depression. It kept my head above water.”
Becoming a visitor
Visiting is a challenging, but rewarding experience. Click here to find out more about becoming a visitor.
Haslar Immigration and Removal Centre
Haslar Immigration Removal Centre is unusual in being in prison buildings, operated by the Prison Service, wholly occupied by asylum seekers and immigration detainees. Click here for information about Haslar IRC.
Information for current visitors
Keep informed! Click here for information for current visitors
