February 2012
HMIP report on Brook House describes improvements, but still significant concerns
The second, unannounced inspection of Brook House took place in September 2011. In the report published this month, HMIP found substantial improvements in overall safety but outlined several areas that remained of great concern to the Inspectorate.
Perhaps most notable was the criticism of the use of the segregation unit, which was described as 'excessive and often illegitimate'. They were also critical of the prison-like regime, long lock-down time and provision of activities and education, despite the best efforts of many of the staff who work in the centre. The full report can be read here. GDWG's response to the report can be found here.
September 2011
Date for Your Diary - Thursday June 21st 2012
The Hawth Theatre, Crawley - 7.30 p.m.
GDWG is organising its first ever comedy evening. The evening will convey some of the issues of detention with a lot of humour and a wry look at society and migration today. It is an evening not to be missed. Tell your friends too!
Fans of comedy and supporters of GDWG will enjoy comedy performances by a range of stand-up comedians including Steve Punt (from 'The Now Show') and Attila the Stockbroker. There will also be jazz from local pianist Alex Parry.
The event is entitled 'The Longest Day: Comedy Breaking Through!' It gives GDWG the opportunity to bring the issues of detention to a wider audience and to provide a really great night of entertainment!
Every day can seem like an eternity in detention yet we have all shared laughter in the visits room. Make a note of 'The Longest Day' in your diary and we'll see you there!
Tickets will be on sale from January 2012.
August 2011
GDWG have moved offices - change of contact details
GDWG have now moved to a new office, and have been forced into changing their contact numbers. Our phone number is now 01293 657070 and our fax is 01293 474001. We had planned a call divert for our old numbers, but unfortunately BT have cancelled our old line without diverting it to our new one, so our old numbers are no longer active. Aside from this problem, we are very happy with our new home, which is in the building of the Crawley Community and Voluntary Service, and which we share with a number of other charities.
