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Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group (GDWG) supports and befriends people affected by immigration detention in Brook House and Tinsley House at Gatwick Airport. GDWG are non-party political and use their insight into the experiences of people held in detention to try to improve conditions, inform policy, and challenge negative images of people affected by the immigration process, both through the charity’s own work and by networking with other organisations who provide support.

In an often hostile political climate that can view migrants and refugees as a “problem to be solved”, church groups and other organisations, including Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group (GDWG) aim to work with migrants as people, who have hopes, dreams and gifts to offer the community. In a recent letter to GDWG shared in the group’s newsletter, a person in immigration detention shared his hope for the future:

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“I like thinking about new ideas and finding ways to make things better. I believe that solving problems is very important because it helps people live easier and happier lives…I want to create useful things that can help the world… My goal is to study hard in school and learn more about science, technology, and engineering. I know that education is the key to achieving my dreams. I also want to improve my critical thinking and communication skills so I can share my ideas with others.

“In the future, I hope to make a positive difference in the world. I want people to benefit… and remember me as someone who helped solve important problems. I am excited about my future and I will work hard to achieve my goals and aspirations.”

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The Diocese has contributed to the work and mission of GDWG through the diocesan Refugee Crisis Fund, with a number of people across our diocese also supporting the charity by collecting much needed donations of clothes or visiting and supporting people held in immigration detention.

You can click the button below to visit GDWG's website and see how you can get involved.

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Image: GDWG‍