Our Projects

‘There's No Place Like Home’ focuses on the importance of having somewhere to call home. According to a survey by Crisis homeless people are 13 times more likely to have experienced violence and 47 times more likely to be victims of theft than the general public. So it’s no surprise that vendors who are sleeping rough are battling for their survival, and are primarily concerned with staying warm and dry. With your support we are determined to help every vendor find a place to call home.

‘Taking Health to the Homeless’ is about ensuring vendors receive the advice and treatment they require, because ironically its often the most vulnerable who are the most excluded; homeless people are four times more likely to die from unnatural causes than the general population and according to a study by the University of York those sleeping rough have an incidence of health problems between two and three times higher than the general population. With your help we want vendors to ensure that they have access to the healthcare services they so desperately need.

‘Making Money Work’ recognises that Vendors are self employed, buying the magazine from us for 70p and selling it to the public for £1.50 making 80p profit per transaction. Vendors are responsible for managing their own stock, so if they over estimate how many magazines they can sell they lose money. In addition one in three of our vendors has been mugged for their takings, which means that having access to somewhere to keep savings is crucial. With your support we want to help all our vendors to become financially independent.

‘Fulfilling Aspirations’
is about improving self esteem. The events which lead to a person becoming homeless, from family breakdown, to loss of employment, to addiction, can cause a person to feel worthless and demeaned. On top of this life on the streets involves dealing with insults, aggression and a lack of respect, sometimes on a daily basis. It’s hardly surprising that vendors feel fearful and powerless, with your support we want to give them back their self worth.    

The Vendor Support Fund is a grant giving scheme which offers financial awards to support vendor’s needs.  This can be for basic training, re-housing, dealing with emergencies, problem solving or even helping a vendor to start their own business. The awards can significantly change a vendor’s life. This fund is open all year round and to qualify for an award vendors much contribute 20% of the value themselves, thereby encouraging vendors to save a percentage of their earnings each week. The remaining 80% is reliant on the generosity of the public. To make donation click here.

 

 

Challenge Events

The Big Issue

London To Paris Bike Ride 2010

22nd July 2010

From 22nd - 25th July 2010   "It was one of the best things I’ve ever - I can't thank...

More info >

SITE MAP   I   ACCESSIBILITY   I   TERMS
The Big Issue, 1-5 Wandsworth Road. London SW8 2LN. Tel: 020 7526 3200   I  The Big Issue Foundation Registered Charity No.1049077
The Big Issue Company No. 02612480