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The Channel: voices of people held in detention centres
Detention is a dark corner of Britain’s immigration and asylum seeker system, whereby people are locked up in prison-like conditions while their status is determined.
They have committed no crime, yet these individuals who seek sanctuary are often left feeling powerless and silenced, while families face being torn apart, their future dependent on Home Office officials.
Bristolians are being given the opportunity to take a stand against the use of immigration detention centres and connect with those affected through The Channel, a unique project that harnesses the very best of British spirit.
is needed now More than ever
Over the course of six days, from September 15-20, a red phone box will be popping up around the city centre and Easton, where people will be able to exchange voice messages with those currently being detained. There will also be talking spaces, complete with tea and biscuits.
Red phone boxes will be popping up around Bristol to give people a chance to connect with those detained in detention centres.
“The aim of the project is to start a conversation about immigration detention and how we can work to end it,” explains artist and project organiser Isobel Tarr.
“It’s about inviting anyone and everyone to listen, learn and share their thoughts and ideas, and it’s about putting the voices of detained people, who often feel powerless and silenced, at the centre of the conversation.
“For the past couple of years I’ve been volunteering to support people at risk of detention in Bristol. I saw families separated and felt the impact on the community when a friend or neighbour is taken away.”
The UK is the only country in Europe to detain people without a time limit. There’s often limited access to legal support and people can feel cut off from family, friends and community.
Isobel says that detainees have given all kinds of reasons for wanting to exchange voice messages with people – for some, being able to inform people about their situation is important, and for others it’s about being part of a movement for change.
“Some people told me they were simply relieved to hear another voice from outside detention and to know that they are not forgotten,” she adds.
The idea is to mobilise people in Bristol to call for an end to detention and Isobel says the response so far has been phenomenal, with local charity Borderlands, as well as Right to Remain and Detention Action all giving their support. Bristol City Council City Arts Funds has helped with funding.
Isobel adds: “To anyone who has never heard of immigration detention or isn’t sure why it matters – I would say come along, listen and ‘meet’ some people who are going through it.
“It’s OK if you don’t know what to say back. Come and have a cup of tea and a chat, and if you feel like you want to, record a response in return.
“We’ve seen other cities like Manchester take steps towards protecting it’s citizens from detention. I’m hoping we can use this opportunity to gather our resources and creativity as a whole city and find ways to end detention.”
For full details of The Channel’s locations, visit: www.facebook.com/TheseWallsMustFall/.
A workshop for anyone who may be at risk of immigration detention, or knows people who are, will be held at Borderlands on September 27 at 2pm. A community meeting on ending detention will take place at the same location, on the same day at 6pm.
Read more: The Bristol project providing a safe haven for refugee children
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