SIFA Fireside homelessness charity restores seven-day service

The charity holds drop-in sessions for homeless people in Allcock Street, Digbeth

A homelessness charity is restoring its weekend service after being forced to suspend it for financial reasons.

SIFA Fireside in Birmingham halted the service in February but said volunteers had since raised £13,250, the service's annual running cost, in four weeks.

The charity has a day centre in Allcock Street, Digbeth, which holds drop-in sessions for homeless people.

It estimated up to 100 people - volunteer fundraisers and those giving money - helped secure the cash.

A JustGiving page was set up and fundraising events, such as bake sales, were held.

'Real achievement'

The charity said it wanted to thank everyone who donated, including a woman in Yardley who gave £1,000.

Chief executive Cath Gilliver said it was "a real achievement" to find the money in four weeks and volunteers were continuing to raise money.

She said: "I'm absolutely amazed and delighted.

"I thought they might manage to do it, but I thought it might take six months."

The weekend service opened at 10:30 BST and a relaunch event, including speeches from people at the charity and refreshments, was held.

The charity said it tackles "homelessness, alcohol misuse & social exclusion in Birmingham" and its activities include providing meals, showers and clothes and literacy and IT sessions.