News from Canterbury Diocese
May 27th 2010
For immediate use

Bishop of Dover praises work of the Dover Detainee Visitor Group

The Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott praised the work of the Dover Detainee Visitor Group when he met volunteers and staff on Tuesday. The Charity which provides assistance and friendship to immigrants detained in Dover, also supports ex-detainees and their families.

After being welcomed to the charity's headquarters in Dover by Director, Mr Vebi Kosumi, Bishop Trevor listened to a presentation about the work and learnt how the charity helps detainees through weekly visits by volunteers, practical assistance and by raising awareness about the problems of indefinite detention.

Bishop Trevor, who visited the Dover Immigration Removal Centre in Western Heights in February just one day after being installed as the new Bishop of Dover, said: "We are all children of God and it is essential we treat all people with justice and dignity and that we look beyond the label of 'detainee.'"

Mr Kosumi described the 70 volunteers who give up their time to make weekly visits to detainees at the Removal Centre as 'people of the greatest heart'. Over lunch Bishop Trevor chatted with many of the volunteers, thanking them for their contribution.

After the visit the Bishop commented: "The work done by the Dover Detainee Visitor Group is highly professional and worthwhile. These volunteers are not only providing friendship and support to individual detainees, but are also helping to break down stereotypes in our society."

To become a volunteer for the Dover Detainee Visitor Group visit: www.ddvg.org.uk or call: 01304 242755

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Further information from: Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications, Canterbury Diocese - 07876 210 446
Or: Mr Victor Fiorini, Detainee-Visitor Manager, 01304 242 755

Notes for Editors:
The Dover Detainee Visitor Group (DDVG) is committed to assist the welfare of immigration detainees held in Dover, their families and ex-detainees. By providing weekly visits to immigration detainees and other forms of assistance, the DDVG strives to improve the quality of life of people held in detention centres. The length of stay in detention is indefinite and by becoming a bridge between detainees and the outside world, our volunteers empower detainees to make the right decisions for themselves and bring hope to their lives. www.ddvg.org.uk

DDVG also work with ex-detainees and in the future will be working with prisoners at Canterbury Prison.

The Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, Rt Revd Trevor Willmott has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the oversight of the Canterbury Diocese, which stretches from Maidstone to Thanet and includes 282 parish churches.