Together, Autumn 2026
What happens when children seeking safety are treated as adults and placed in immigration detention?
This year, on World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV invites us to focus on the experiences of children on the move. By placing the most vulnerable at the centre of our attention, he challenges us to consider how our policies and attitudes affect all people seeking safety, regardless of age.
This call feels particularly urgent in immigration detention. People are held in poor conditions, with no time limit and limited access to support, and years of evidence demonstrate the severe impact detention can have on physical and mental health. Alarmingly, a growing number of children are being detained under the government’s ‘one-in-one-out’ scheme.
In this edition of Together, we explore the human cost of detention and the ways people are finding hope, dignity, and support. You’ll find:
- 5 things you need to know about immigration detention
- Reflections on our casework with children caught in immigration detention
- Sr Patricia’s reflections from her chaplaincy work at Harmondsworth IRC
- Insight into how the ‘one-in-one-out’ scheme is leading to the detention of children
- Stories of accompaniment, hope, and resilience
- Reflections from young Ursuline school volunteers
Again and again, these stories show that dignity is restored through relationship. Whether through a listening ear in detention, practical support after release, or advocacy for more just policies, small acts of solidarity remind people seeking safety that they are seen, heard, and not forgotten. You make all of this possible.
"Welcoming the stranger in need with generous heart means that our society will be richer, not poorer, for their presence among us" - Sr Patricia
Take a peek inside...
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The right of asylum: a sacred duty
Page 2
Seeking asylum is a right grounded not only in international law, but in a long tradition of welcoming and protecting people seeking refuge. Across faith traditions, this responsibility begins with recognising the inherent dignity of every person.
From our kitchen: Ntela’s Puff Puff
Page 3
From our kitchen to yours! Ntela shares her recipe for Puff Puff, a much-loved West African treat that’s perfect for sharing.
5 things to know about immigration detention
Page 4
Immigration detention is largely hidden from public view, yet it has a profound impact on thousands of people every year.
Seeing the person
Page 5
“Every human being deserves to be recognised as someone made in the image of God, deserving of dignity and respect.”
Detaining children
Pages 6 – 7
Children seeking safety are being wrongly identified as adults and detained under the government’s ‘one-in-one-out’ scheme.
Caught in the system
Pages 8 – 9
Behind the statistics are children navigating a complex system. Discover how JRS UK caseworkers are supporting them to be recognised as children and access the protection they need.
Casework & companionship
Page 10
JRS UK’s support goes beyond practical casework, offering friendship, community, and accompaniment as refugee friends rebuild their lives after detention.
Learning through service
Page 11
Volunteering with JRS UK offers students the opportunity to learn through service, encounter, and accompaniment alongside refugee friends.
Run for refugees!
Take on a challenge
Join Team JRS UK and take on a running challenge to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Write to your MP
Dear [MP name],
Children seeking safety are being wrongly identified as adults, detained, and in some cases removed to France. This should not be happening.
Detention causes profound harm to everyone subjected to it, and its impact on children is especially severe. Many of these children have already experienced conflict, trafficking, exploitation, torture, or other forms of trauma. Yet they are being held in prison-like conditions, often for extended periods, while their age is disputed. Evidence shows that detention can lead to serious deterioration in mental health, including self-harm, withdrawal, and severe distress.
I urge you to call on the Government to strengthen safeguards for children seeking safety. In particular, I ask you to support:
- Better screening procedures to ensure children are correctly identified on arrival
- Prompt referral to local authorities whenever a person says they are under 18
- Age assessments being conducted in the community rather than in detention
- An end to the detention of children seeking safety
- Longer term, a commitment to ending the use of immigration detention, which causes profound harm and has no place in a humane asylum system. Instead, asylum cases should be processed in the community
Children seeking safety deserve protection, dignity, and the chance to have their age and asylum claim assessed fairly. I would be grateful if you could let me know what action you will take on this issue.
Children seeking safety need protection, not detention.
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
[Address]
Your voice matters. MPs are elected to represent you. When they hear from constituents, they listen. Write to your MP and call for a more just and compassionate system.
Tips:
Say why you care: Express concern for the treatment of people seeking asylum in the UK. If you’ve had some experience of this/know someone who has sought asylum, try and personalise your letter with your own words/experiences
Mention you’re a constituent: MPs are elected to represent their constituents. Including your postcode is helpful so they listen to your message
Ask for action: Ask your MP to support policies that uphold dignity, welcome, and protection. You can use some of the messages on the other page
Use your own words: Feel free to use the prompt provided, but using your own voice can make your message more authentic and memorable
Be clear and respectful: MPs are more likely to engage with messages that are polite and focussed. You don’t need to be an expert – just speak from the heart
Run for refugees!
Every mile can make a difference.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or thinking about taking on your first challenge, you can run alongside JRS UK and help support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Choose a challenge, set yourself a goal, and turn every mile into an opportunity to raise funds and stand in solidarity with people seeking safety.
Ready to take on the challenge?
