SIFA Fireside was established in 2007, following the merger of SIFA (Supporting Independence from Alcohol) and the Fireside Charity, both of whom had been working in Birmingham since the early 1980s. SIFA Fireside supports homeless or vulnerably-housed people, many of whom are affected by alcohol and substance misuse as well as mental health problems, and our clients are amongst the most marginalised in Birmingham. We aim to help improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing and empower them to move to a more stable and settled life.
SIFA Fireside focuses on supporting our clients to address their long-term as well as short-term needs. We help meet their immediate needs through providing free breakfasts and hot lunches (5 days a week), showers, access to laundry facilities and a clothes store plus outreach health clinics at the Drop In Centre. People can self-refer or are referred by agencies (e.g. Housing Associations, Birmingham City Council). We see an average of 133 people every week day at the ‘drop in’, an increase from 90 per day four years ago.
Breakfast
Lunch
Showers
Clean clothes
Safe place
Benefit and accomodation advice
Psychological wellbeing interventions
CV Writing workshop, job club, work experience, training to become a volunteer,
Board Games, English lessons, Cookery class, Budget class, Drama workshops
Out of the Woodwork furniture upcycling project
Getting people off the streets and giving them support and life skills to stay in tenancies
Improving health and wellbeing; managing health conditions and reducing A & E attendances
Reducing alcohol misuse and related hospital admissions
Working with West Midlands Fire Service to improve safety in squats
Working with Probation and West Midlands Police to tackle antisocial and offending behaviour.
