Are you in detention?

If you are detained in Brook House or Tinsley House IRCs, there are many ways we may be able to help you.

Would you like a visitor?

GDWG visitors offer friendship and support through regular one-to-one visits. We are here to listen to you and talk with you about anything, as a friend would do. We may be able to offer some practical help too.

Once a GDWG visitor is referred to you they will usually visit once a week, every week while you are in detention. If a GDWG visitor is unable to make a visit one week they wil let you know. If they expect to be away for several weeks it may be possible for them to arrange another visitor.

What support can we give you?

As well as friendship, GDWG visitors can arrange practical help in the following ways:

  • Free mobile phone top-up of £10 credit per month

  • Extra clothing and other small items

  • Information about other organisations that could help you

If you are transferred to another detention centre GDWG may be able to recommend another visitors’ group for that centre.

GDWG helps anyone who asks for help whatever your race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Have you recently been released?

It may be hard now for you to think ahead to how life might be if you are released into the UK. One thing is certain: being alone can be very difficult. So if you’ve found it helpful to have visits from a GDWG volunteer, why not continue that link with us after your release?

Every eight weeks GDWG holds a one-day walk in the countryside, for people who have been in detention, GDWG visitors and friends to walk, talk and explore together.

Walks are about 8 miles and usually take place in London, Kent, Surrey or Sussex. We can help with travel costs, waterproof clothing and boots. Call us on 0800 389 4387 if you would to join a walk.

Please call us on 0800 389 4367 (freephone) or 01293 657070.  Our office is open for calls between 9:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.  At other times, please leave us a voicemail with your phone number and we will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also email us at info@gdwg.org.uk or fax us: 01293 544916.