Thirty Years of AVID: Reflecting on Our Journey and Looking Ahead

Thirty years ago, AVID began with the goal of addressing the expansion of immigration detention across the UK. This year, we celebrate this significant milestone in various ways, starting with a reflection on what it means to us.

Looking back at thirty years

In 1994, AVID was founded with a mission to advocate for those held in immigration detention. Today, as we mark thirty years of relentless dedication, we remain a cornerstone in the fight for justice and dignity for all impacted by immigration detention. We continue to champion change and provide essential support, standing united with numerous organizations dedicated to this mission. Together, we strive to make detention history!

An anniversary is a moment to reflect on the past, look toward the future, and celebrate with our community—including visitors(past and present), coordinators, former AVID staff and trustees, and, importantly, people with direct experience of detention—who have chosen Freedom. It has been an honour and a privilege. Thank you.

However, this anniversary also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing harm and the urgent need for change. Our ultimate hope is that one day, our organization will no longer be necessary and immigration detention will become obsolete.

How We’re Marking this anniversary:

• History of Immigration Detention and AVID: In partnership with the University of Westminster, we launched an internship program to archive AVID's history. This culminated in a Spring Showcase Exhibition on April 26, 2024. Read more here: https://www.aviddetention.org.uk/article/avids-2024-spring-showcase
• Envisioning a Future Without Immigration Detention: We collaborated with the University of Liverpool and Cut to the Chase Productions to raise awareness through art and activism, resulting in a sharing session and a planned theatre production. Watch the trailer here and read more about the project here
• Animation on Gendered Harm: Working with Unchained Collective, we are creating 'Removed,' an animation highlighting the harms of immigration detention. This will debut at the London Migration Film Festival in November.
• Showcasing Stories: Partnering with various organisations, we are highlighting the testimonials of visitors and those with lived experiences of detention. More exciting updates are coming, so watch this space.

We believe that to meet our greatest challenges in advocating for an end to immigration detention, our community needs activism that inspires. Throughout 2024 and beyond, we will focus on the real-world impact of our advocacy efforts, launching initiatives to inspire new approaches and end isolation with the aim of alleviating harm to those affected by detention.

Join us in driving innovation, fostering unity, and advocating for the rights of those impacted by detention. We can't do it without your support.

Donate to our fundraising appeal here and help us reach our target of ￡30,000.