West Midlands

WMCA Rough Sleeping Initiative Regional Training Programme 2023-24

The West Midlands Combined Authority Rough Sleeping Initiative seeks to add value and complementary outcomes to the work of our Local Authority and wider partners. To build upon the good work established in recent years, we are delighted to share details about our new regional training programme. This exciting training offer is not open to […]

SIFA Fireside remodels Support Centre for people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham.

SIFA Fireside, the Birmingham homelessness charity, has remodelled its support services in response to the changing needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Birmingham. As always, homeless and vulnerably housed adults over the age of 25 will all be welcome at SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre: individuals who are rough sleeping or in […]

Good Shepherd announces new partnership community project in Wolverhampton

The Good Shepherd and Wolves Foundation have teamed up with the City of Wolverhampton Council to unveil plans for a ground-breaking new project at the historic Queen’s Building in the city centre.   The project will offer residents a venue offering a community shop with a difference, a café complete with charging points to stay connected […]

New centre to support city’s vulnerable people officially named in memory of former councillor

The vacant Council owned city centre building, Bond House, in Bond Street, is now known as Peter Bilson House following an official ceremony at the centre attended by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, City of Wolverhampton Council councillors and senior officers, and city homelessness partners. Son James and wife Audrey, daughter Emma […]

Black Country Women’s Aid to deliver domestic abuse support in the Borough

Sandwell has announced news of a five year contract with Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA). Sandwell Council recently awarded a five year contract worth over £2m to BCWA to deliver safe accommodation and support services for victims of domestic abuse. Longer term funding will provide some stability and assurance to the continuation of these services which offer […]

Street Support Launches in West Midlands

Following huge successes in other cities across the country, Street Support West Midlands has now been launched and is already rapidly becoming the key live portal for accurate up‐to‐date information for people experiencing homelessness and for support workers working to help meet people’s needs. Street Support West Midlands is continually updated by the city’s key […]

Coventry Pre-Eviction Panel Pilot

Article by John Toman Rough Sleeping Co-ordinator Coventry City Council Coventry had its first Pre-Eviction Panel meeting this month.  The panel has short weekly meetings with the aim to both reduce the number of evictions for complex single people in the city and to better understand the problems which lead to evictions or abandonments with […]

Natalie Allen appointed as SIFA Fireside’s CEO

Natalie Allen, former Head of National Partnerships at Homeless Link has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer at SIFA Fireside, the Birmingham charity that supports homeless and vulnerably housed individuals in leading happy, healthier lives. Natalie joins SIFA Fireside from Homeless Link, where she has been working as the Head of National […]