SIFA Fireside works alongside those who are socially excluded or disadvantaged, addressing alcohol issues and homelessness and empowering and supporting people to meet their short and long term goals.

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Drop-in
A service user enjoys a meal during our 'drop-in' session
ChangeKitchen
Colin learns how to make vegetarian pizza
ChangeKitchen team
The ChangeKitchen team
Volunteering
A volunteer receives a certificate at our Christmas party
Cooking class
Birgit shows service users how to prepare a healthy meal

Our Service Users

In Birmingham, the official statistics indicated that in 2009/10 4193 people presented as homeless, although this does not include the 'hidden homeless' such as those who are staying with friends. The main causes of homelessness are relationship breakdown, a violent partner or substance misuse, although there are many other factors that contribrute to homelessness, such as social exclusion, unemployment, poor education and poor mental health. Each year SIFA Fireside helps around 1,800 people in Birmingham, with a variety of problems including homelessness and alcohol misuse. Around 80-100 people attend each of our drop-in sessions every week day.

How we can help

We offer a free and confidential service to anyone affected by alcohol problems or homelessness. We empower people to meet their short and long term goals improving their physical, social and mental wellbeing. We do this through practical support, including daily drop-ins, a specialist alcohol support service which includes a designated outreach team and a complementary therapist, mental health support, a housing advice and resettlement service, well being and activity groups and an employment and training programme.

Please visit our 'Services' page for more information.

Accessing our services

The first point of access to our services is often through our daily 'drop in' sessions in Birmingham City Centre where people can self refer for immediate practical help, but we also take referrals by phone from individuals. Third party professionals must fill in and fax or email back a referral form.

Advice and training

We provide advice for professionals, carers and family members, run Alcohol Education training days for other organisations, and offer placements to trainee police officers and social workers. We also hire out our training room to other organisations.

Promoting health and inclusion

SIFA Fireside works in partnership with other providers, such as the Homeless Nurses Team, the Homeless Mental Health Team, City College and Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, to tackle health inequalities and to ensure opportunities for volunteering, training and employment.

We need your support!

Your financial help enables us to support even more people into settled accommodation, work and training. We also welcome donations of food and clothing. Give your time as a volunteer with SIFA Fireside and make a difference to a huge number of lives, including your own.

 

SIFA Fireside has achieved the following quality marks:

We are grateful to the following for their support:

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Big Lottery Fund
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