Birmingham homeless support charity, SIFA Fireside, is preparing to launch the next stages of its life improvement programme for homeless adults over 25 through a service relaunch and a style rebranding.
Implementing a proactive response to supporting homeless and vulnerably housed individuals in Birmingham, SIFA Fireside has used the recent events to refocus and rebuild the lives of those people who may otherwise get left behind.
SIFA’s Fireside Drop-In Centre in Digbeth will continue to cater for clients’ essential needs such as hot food, showers and clothing whilst focusing on addressing the factors that cause homelessness on an individual, local and national level. Our Prevention, Crisis and Recovery programmes will provide targeted specialist support and stand by those who may otherwise slip through the net while they rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.
SIFA Fireside will also lead the charge against modern slavery and people trafficking alongside the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network and Birmingham City Council.
Carly Jones, Chief Executive of SIFA Fireside comments:
“We’re not here to simply throw resources at a problem – we’re here to engage with the issues around homelessness on an individual, local and national level. That’s why our services have evolved and become more proactive, starting with striving to prevent homelessness where possible, dealing effectively with crisis where necessary but then providing support right through to resettlement and beyond.”
Carly adds, “Anybody can become homeless, destitute or at-risk, but that doesn’t mean that their interests just fade and sometimes that gets forgotten. If anything, these things become more important as a therapeutic outlet and means of expression. That’s something that sits at the centre of SIFA Fireside.”
SIFA Fireside’s Drop-In will serve as an inspirational space for homeless and vulnerably housed clients, promoting opportunities to pursue personal interests, partake in life skill programmes and evoke a feeling of the client’s belonging in Birmingham through immersive artwork and wide, welcoming spaces.
The Drop-In Centre has been rebranded in collaboration with Birmingham Colour Palette creator Stacey Barnfield of the Colour Palette Company, local artist and illustrator Jim Rogers and the help of a whole host of volunteers and corporate partners from local and national businesses. The centre also features art works created by SIFA Fireside’s clients including an ongoing self-portrait project in collaboration with GRAIN and renowned photographer Anthony Luvera. At the centre, there’s gratitude and recognition for SIFA Fireside’s roots through the honouring of their founder, Sister Sabina.
“It’s really important to us that our Drop-In Centre feels like an inclusive environment to everyone. That’s why one of our aims was to make our clients feel that Birmingham is their city and that they are truly a part of it,” added Carly. “Birmingham has this amazing ability to come together and we see that every single week through the support our clients receive from local people, local businesses and local services. We wanted that same sentiment to be literally written on the walls. I think it’s going to be something really special that needs to be seen.”
HELLO GOOD MORNING ITS MR RAHMAN I USED TO LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM BUT NOW I AM LIVING IN LONDON. DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME FIND ACCOMODATION IN BIRMINGHAM, SELFCONTAINED LOWER GROUND BASEMENT IF YOU CAN HELP WHO DO I NEED TO SEE FOR ADVICE AND REFERAL. KIND REGARDS MR RAHMAN.
Hello Mr Rahman. Please give us a ring on 0121 766 1700 so we can discuss how best to support you. Speak soon.