In April 2025, I had the opportunity to visit the West Midlands Multibank, a new initiative managed by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC). It had been open just a month, and I was eager to see how it was taking shape. I was warmly welcomed by Lianne Shakespeare, Head of Children, Young People and […]
In the heart of Birmingham, a vital NHS service is making a big difference to those without a place to call home. The Homeless Health Exchange (HeX) has long been a cornerstone of health support for people experiencing homelessness, insecure housing, or seeking asylum in the city. Now, it’s entering a new chapter. From William […]
Tucked away in the back streets of Digbeth, Birmingham, SIFA Fireside is making a significant impact on the lives of those facing homelessness. Over the past few years, this committed organisation has transformed its services to better meet the needs of people experiencing rough sleeping and other forms of homelessness. From providing vital support like […]
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)? The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a fantastic initiative aimed at helping people who are struggling with housing-related costs. Whether it’s rent, utility bills, or essential household items, the HSF is here to provide a helping hand. It’s managed by local councils within the West Midlands Combined Authority […]
Last week I had the privilege of attending an event held in the Birmingham Peace Gardens to remember those who had died whilst experiencing homelessness. I joined around fifty people in the snow-scatter Peace Gardens to mark this first-of-its-kind memorial. Around me were friends and family of those who had died, lead workers, homelessness sector […]
There cannot be many people in the UK who have never seen or heard of the Big Issue. Maybe you have seen one of the thousands of vendors selling the latest issue on high streets up and down the UK; maybe you have purchased one, or have a subscription. Founded in 1991, the Big Issue […]
by Eliz Hopkins, West Midlands Coordinator for Street Support Network It’s a Monday morning at the homelessness support centre, SIFA Fireside in Birmingham, where I have popped in to learn more about the partnership between SIFA Fireside and Vision Care for Homeless People. The charity, SIFA Fireside, is the main homeless navigator service in Birmingham […]
Transform Lives: Become a Home-2-Home Host with St Basils St Basils, a leading charity dedicated to reducing youth homelessness, is calling on individuals with a spare room and a caring heart to join our Home-2-Home Supported Lodgings scheme. This transformative program places young people aged 16-18 (occasionally older) who have experienced family breakdowns into the […]
by Liisa Wiseman, Director Modern slavery and homelessness often go hand-in-hand, with homelessness frequently being a significant contributing factor to people becoming victims of trafficking, as well survivors being more at risk of ending up homeless. As the homelessness charity, The Passage, states “We have found that homelessness is a common denominator in the issue […]
It’s a sad truth that while Christmas often inspires acts of kindness towards vulnerable people, the same cannot always be said for the months when the weather is warmer. But SIFA Fireside, the Birmingham support service for those experiencing homelessness, is making sure that the solution to this problem is in the post. They have […]
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