Being worthy of trust

Standing in solidarity with someone in detention requires a relationship of trust. People who have been in detention often describe how hard it can be to trust people when they have lost faith in the system to treat them with dignity and to do justice.

As a visitor you can work to become worthy of people’s trust by:

• Only taking actions on behalf of someone with explicit consent.

• Setting realistic expectations about your role, including the fact that you cannot give legal advice.

• Only make promises you can keep, and if you are unsure what support your group can offer, check with your group before making a promise.

• Following up promptly on any actions you agree to do, and keep the person you are visiting updated with regular communication.

• Keeping what is shared with you confidential, according to your groups confidentiality policies. Don't share any information with staff or other agencies unless you are explicitly asked to share it.

• Ensuring that the information you share with people is accurate, and avoid providing hope where it is not justified.

• Don’t push for information on the person’s background or case- let them bring that information to you. Don’t interrogate inconsistencies.

• Be patient and don’t be put off or upset if conversation doesn’t flow or a visit is difficult.

• State and demonstrate independence from the centre management.