Nun named a heroine for work with homeless

Nov 9 2010 by Emma McKinney, Birmingham Mail

SHE’S helped countless homeless and vulnerable people in Birmingham and was last year recognised by the Queen for her work.

Now Selly Park nun Sister Sabina Staff has been named one of the Birmingham Mail’s Local Heroes of 2010.

The 80-year-old helped to launch the SIFA Fireside Centre in Digbeth 16 years ago after she retired from teaching and works tirelessly for the charity, which helps those who are homeless, affected by alcohol or otherwise socially excluded.

“The centre feeds and clothes homeless people in the city and gives them a warm place to stay and a little compassion,” she explained.

“It also runs activities to help them get back on their feet.”

Sister Sabina who, despite her age, still helps prepare meals for the homeless, was nominated for the Local Heroes award by a number of colleagues and people she helps at the centre. The Birmingham City fan, who belongs to the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle in Selly Park, said: “It’s lovely to receive this award, I didn’t expect it at all.