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"We can’t advise on legal things or anything like that but we’re here to talk..."
"We can’t advise on legal things or anything like that but we’re here to talk..."
– Main friender
– Main friender
In 2001, the Befrienders began their mission to support the people detained in Yarl's Wood. They aim to increase a detainee's connection with the outside world, to reduce feelings of isolation, and to support their emotional well-being. The Befrienders connect detainees with a volunteers from the local community. Currently, around 60 volunteers work with the Befrienders. Volunteers speak different languages and practice different religions. Many provide detainees with basic necessities like clothes, underwear, footwear, and phone credits. Volunteers also organize social events for detainees in collaboration with Serco. All of them are dedicated to supporting and comforting detainees.
Artist Mandy Jennings created this piece to honor the work of the Befrienders. She was set to teach an art class prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The influence of Befrienders is very strong here. It’s different when the Centre knows that somebody outside is checking up on them and will notice if something happens to us. It gives a lot of safety to us." -- Leyla, detainee at Yarl's Wood
"The influence of Befrienders is very strong here. It’s different when the Centre knows that somebody outside is checking up on them and will notice if something happens to us. It gives a lot of safety to us." -- Leyla, detainee at Yarl's Wood
The following videos are all testimonials given by people who were, or are currently, detained at Yarl's Wood.
The following videos are all testimonials given by people who were, or are currently, detained at Yarl's Wood.
A woman wanted to become a nurse and came to the UK to study. Due to her health problems, she cannot return to her home country.
A Pakistani woman recalls why she came to the UK and how the Home Office has treated her.
A Lithuanian woman shares how she is coping until she is deported. She speaks to the struggle of being a mother who will not see her child for three years due to travel restrictions.
On Visiting Yarl's Wood...
On Visiting Yarl's Wood...
“Getting inside Yarl's Wood is not easy. First you must explain the reason for the visit, then present a passport, have a photograph taken and biometric details read by a fingerprint scanner. Then wait in line to enter an airlock, one at a time, step through a metal detector, and go through a body search. This intimidating process leads to a strange room like a hospital waiting area with leatherette chairs and coffee machines. Guards pace about, listening in on conversations. Propped up against a wall is an incongruous plastic child-safety barrier, made up of happy nurses and police officers linking hands.” (Newsweek)
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