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IRC Haslar (old Haslar Prison)
Haslar Immigration Removal Centre is unusual in being in prison buildings, operated by the Prison Service,
wholly occupied by asylum seekers and immigration detainees. Despite its name, many of the men in Haslar are
still fighting in the courts for permission to stay in this country and some will NOT be removed. All the detainees are male.
Visitors are volunteers who offer non-judgemental
befriending of immigration detainees in Haslar. Visits can
be simply to chat and offer a little warmth and
friendship, and this is considered perfectly valid by the
group. However, with detainees naturally very anxious
about their legal situation, and not very familiar with
either the English language or
UK
immigration procedures, some visitors do sometimes become
involved in helping to find solicitors and sureties
(people to put up bail). Visiting takes an afternoon a
week.
Drop In Advice
and Social Centre
The drop in Christmas Party 2008 The Destitution Fund
Refugees and asylum seekers live 30% below the poverty line at best, many are given just £35 in supermarket vouchers, some don't get anything. They are not allowed to work. Any small financial hiccup can become a major problem. HVG runs a destitution fund to help with hiccups. It is a reserved fund and every penny goes straight into the hands of a refugee or asylum seeker without any deductions. Donations are always welcome Haslar Visitors Group The Visitors Group was founded in 1994 and became a registered charity in January 2000. Although many members were originally from the churches, the organisation itself is secular and there are now visitors from all backgrounds. Of the 60+ members, men and women, about 30 are visiting at any one time. They range in age from students to the retired. For more detail about what we do click here
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Asylum seekers are much in the news at present. It is not often realised that a significant minority
are locked in prison-like conditions while their cases are considered. They are innocent of any
wrong-doing but their detention can sometimes last for months or even years. Haslar Visitors Group befriends these men.
In addition to our work in Haslar, we run a drop-in for asylum seekers in Portsmouth.
A drop-in is a place where asylum
seekers in the community can come and meet professionals
without prior appointment. There is a warm welcome, free
food, a safe social space and access to professionals if
needed. The drop in is largely staffed by the clients or
professionals.
© 2001-9 Haslar Visitors Group All rights reserved | Annual Report | Becoming a visitor | Getting there | Contact HVG | John Bosco | Zimbabweans | Mayor's Charity