Visiting and Supporting LGBTI people in Detention

AVID was delighted to partner with UKLGIG (UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group) to offer a free training for visitors groups from all over UK.

On 11th August, we welcomed volunteer visitors from across the UK to the session – from as far afield as Belfast, Lincolnshire and  Dorset. 14 people from 8 different visitors groups participated in this valuable training on visiting and supporting LGBTI people in detention. The training room was filled with lots of diverse experience in terms of visiting: it varied from just a couple of months of visiting experience to more than 1.5 years.

The session was led by Paul Dillane, Executive Director of UKLGIG. UKLGIG is the only national charity dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, Trans and intersex (LGBTI) people seeking asylum in the UK. They provide a range of support including: specialist legal advice and information via their helpline, group meetings and in one-to one sessions; and mental and emotional support, including in detention centres. They also carry out research and develop policy to seek to ensure LGBTI people are treated with dignity and respect, as well as providing specialist training to civil servants, judges, lawyers and refugee, LGBTI and community groups.

The training covered LGBTI issues globally, specific challenges LGBTI asylum seekers facing including those in detention in the UK, and practical ways to support those LGBTI people in detention. A very important area for groups was how to be a LGBTI friendly visitors group. This training should be the first step to becoming more inclusive, encouraging visitors groups to show the range of ways we can support LGBTI people in detention.

Feedbacks from the attendees were positive, with 100% of attendees saying they felt more informed and confident to support this group following the training.

“Practical, clear, excellent, like the signposting of group exercises and resources. Very well done, like the pace and cannot think anything I did not like, a great use of my time. Hope many more visitors attend this training session “

Training Participant from Detention Action, 2016

Let us know if your group would like to follow up and receive similar training on how to better support this vulnerable group of people in detention.

To find out more or discuss your group’s training needs, please contact our Training and Membership Coordinator, Gee Manoharan  gee.manoharan@aviddetention.org.uk | 0207 281 0533