Tinsley House IRC
Perimeter Road
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick
West Sussex
RH6 0PQ


Detention causes depression; depression can lead to self-harm and far too often, death.


Immigration detention has risen to an all time high the latest figures from the Home Office revealed that there were 2,250 persons in detention.

12 immigration detainees have taken there own lives whilst in detention. In the ten months April 2005 to January 31st 2006, - 185 persons attempted self-harm, requiring medical treatment - 1,467 persons were considered to be a danger to themselves and put on self-harm watch.


Why I will join the demonstration

I was in detention in Yarl's Wood for six months. I call it a living 'hell' because of the traumas it took me into. I was one of the strongest there who used to encourage others to be strong and even give them counselling but found myself in a state that I could handle no more. I went on a dry hunger strike that put me my blood sugar very low and although the doctor suggested I should be taken to hospital the detention manager opposed it due to the shortage of stuff and that I was making 'myself deliberately ill'. " I was choking blood then" a day after I was rushed to hospital following fears from a nurse that I was going into comma. I attempted suicide that was interrupted by guards who were watching me on cameras at 3:30 in the morning, I was put on 24-hour suicide watch then but I was mentally losing it. Every body got so concern including the counsellor. Tracy, the pastor who even made it known by the immigration officers, some officers and fellow detainees.


By this time I was feeling so empty and the only option I felt I had was to die, (they waited until I went that far) and then released me. The traumas I am going through as a result of detention; I don't know if I will ever overcome them and do not wish anyone to go through it. It's a story, an experience I live to tell. I get nightmares, I don't sleep well, lose my memory, break out into tears daily, get suicide plans as a solution (never was before) can't socialize, have lost my self esteem, become moody at times when I shouldn't, feel hatred for immigration officers and many more symptoms.


Nonetheless I have developed a special feeling and relationship for those going through what I went through and am committed to helping them in anyway I can, I will join the demonstration on the 24th. To demand that the Home Office should immediately end the arbitrary and unjust detention of all immigration detainees.
Salima Sekindi, ex detainee


Demonstration called by London Against Detention

Enquiries/further information:
London Against Detention
 lad@riseup.net
078 1732 0584

Phone for transport. A coach has been organised, call and book your ticket. Free to asylum seekers.

Alternatively/How to get there:
Tinsley House IRC
Perimeter Road
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick
West Sussex
RH6 0PQ

By Road
M25 to junction 8 take M23 south, leave M23 at Junction 9 and at the slip road roundabout take the spur road towards Gatwick Airport. Go straight across at the next roundabout heading towards the North Terminal and take the first exit on the left at the next roundabout. At the T-junction again turn left and follow the road past the Police Station, across a mini roundabout and under the South Terminal Building. Perimeter Road South is the last road on the right before the roundabout. Tinsley House is about a mile along on the left.

By Rail
Take the train to Gatwick Airport. The easiest way from there is by taxi, but if you wish to walk, it will take between 20-30 minutes. On leaving the railway station, follow the signs for arrivals and to the right of the concourse you will see the 'Left Luggage' and 'Onward Travel Connections' desks. To the left of these, there is an exit with a sign to the 'Speedlink' coach service. Take the lift or stairs to the ground floor and on leaving the building turn right. From there, follow the directions as by road (see above) from the South Terminal building.