Models of visiting

Visitor groups provide support in different ways, depending on the centre or prison they visit in and their own ways of working:

Social visits

Some groups organise visits in the same way as friends or family would, known as social visits. After receiving a request for a visit, the visitor will call the detention centre and book a time to see the particular person in the visits hall. Visitors who visit in this way are subject to the same rules as all visitors to the detention centre.

Access beyond the visits hall

Some groups have negotiated arrangements with centre management so they can access particular areas and resources. This might include:

• Being allowed to facilitate a ‘drop-in’ space in the visits hall where people do not need to book in advance to attend

• Being allowed to access spaces within the detention centre itself to:

  • Run a “drop-in” session to reach out to people who might not have heard about the visitor group

  • Run information workshops or group activities

  • Access private spaces available to professional visitors such as lawyers, which may allow greater privacy and access to phone interpretation facilities

Visiting on the phone or video call

During the covid-19 pandemic a number of groups developed arrangements where they could meet with people or run workshops through video-conferencing facilities. They also organised for volunteers to offer emotional support over the phone. Many groups continue to provide support over the phone or via skype to complement in-person support, or when there are restrictions placed on visiting.

Short term holding facility visiting

People detained in short term holding facilities are often held only for a day or two, limiting the opportunities for people in detention to reach out for support. Groups visiting in these detention centres have agreements with centre management to visit on set days during the week, calling ahead to check whether there is anyone currently detained there. Visitors are often able to introduce themselves to those detained and ask if they would like to see a visitor there and then.

Many groups offer both 1:1 social visits in the visits hall and some kind of drop-in or workshop within the centre with the aim of being able to meet more people. While there are benefits, visiting within the centre itself brings with it challenges around remaining and demonstrating independence from centre management.