Supporting people detained in Dungavel IRC and influencing policy on detention

Supporting people in immigration detention in Dungavel since 2002

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • SDV is the only charity visiting people held in immigration detention at Dungavel every week, offering solidarity, support and human connection.

  • You can support us in three meaningful ways: by volunteering your time, fundraising for us, or making a donation.

  • Donations help fund travel to Dungavel, provide phone credit for people in detention, and support small grants for those being removed from the UK.

  • No. New volunteers receive training and ongoing support, and are paired with experienced visitors on initial visits.

  • Yes, travel costs are covered so volunteers aren’t out of pocket.

  • Visits provide a vital sense of normality, connection and care in an otherwise isolating environment—for both the person being visited and the volunteer.

No one should sit in detention alone

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Scottish Detainee Visitors (SDV) is the only charity visiting people held in immigration detention at Dungavel every week.

We offer support, solidarity and witness to those facing indefinite detention: people who don’t know if they will be released tomorrow, be deported or remain in detention for months.

Through regular visits, conversation and human connection, we ensure no one is left to face detention alone.

Kind words from people in detention

“Sometimes we ask the visitors about their lives, and they make you laugh, they make you smile, we share jokes, so for an hour it’s a lovely distraction.” 

“It takes a toll on you. It gets to the point where you need to talk about it……If you have had a low day, if you feel down and miserable and depressed, you go to the visit….one of them will ask you why you are so down so you can tell them. SDV have a way to make us feel better"  

“It’s good to talk to someone from the outside. It’s hard to talk to family, because I don’t want to worry them. I don’t want to put extra stress on my mum. If not SDV, who else would be able to sort it out?”