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 […]
Last month on 22 April 2024, the charity St Basils, which helps young people between 16 – 25 who are experiencing homelessness, opened its first-ever pop-up vintage shop in the Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, all thanks to a big donation from the Arcade itself. They are selling some cool vintage clothes, sports gear, and trainers. […]
Talking about end-of-life care with someone experiencing homelessness is important for several reasons. Firstly, like anyone else, individuals experiencing homelessness have the right to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care, yet they might not have easy access to the information or support needed to make these decisions. By discussing end-of-life care, we ensure their […]
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