SIFA Fireside new premises launch

On Friday 14th October 2011 we attended the relaunch of SIFA Fireside. They moved their services from their previous location to the new building on Allcock Street in September which has been custom built from an old warehouse. It is a great improvement for both service users and staff and on arrival the place has a much better feel about it, spacious, bright and welcoming.

SIFA has been in operation since 1983 helping people in Birmingham affected by homelesseness, social exclusion and alcohol dependency.

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.

The building was opened by the Mayor of  Birmingham who cut the red tape.

What was great was that it was open for business as usual so services users, staff and visitors all got the chance to see the activities that were going on and take advantage of the great food provided by Change Kitchen.

There were performances by service users which included  a song which was dedicated to the singer’s recently passed friend. There was then a drama performance and a poem about homelessness. Birgit from Change Kitchen did a healthy eating demonstration. Change Kitchen are a social enterprise who employ service users to provide food for other service users accessing SIFA as well as for  meetings and events in the community giving them a better chance of future employment. The food is very yummy.

You can see SIFA’s website here and they are now on Facebook and Twitter too.

Thanks for reading : )

Stacey

Inspire Health and Mind