News

Bean's Story

Bean Stocks has been working with The Big Issue for several years, initially as a vendor and then as a vendor co-ordinator, selling magazines to other vendors and assisting new vendors at our distribution point in Victoria.

After living in Spain for a number of years and with the tenancy on his flat coming to an end he returned to the UK without anywhere to live and a serious lack of funds. He was previously aware of the Big Issue and decided to start selling it to fund accommodation costs and to make a legitimate income.

Bean has been supportive of The Big Issue’s work in other areas in terms of fundraising and our relationships with partner organizations and initiatives. This has even included a visit to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister when he (Bean) appeared on the front cover of the magazine.

Working with The Big Issue has provided other memorable hi-lights including a couple of stints at The Big Chill festival selling programmes and taking part in the festival itself. He has also enjoyed acting as a point of contact between The Big Issue Foundation and vendors, advising them on events and support services available.

UCH (University College Hospital) has developed the London Pathway programme which provides medical services to homeless people with a specialized Care Navigator.

The programme has been designed around the needs of a homeless person and critical to its success is the input of those service users who have experienced homelessness themselves.  Bean has been involved with the Pathways project for two years and provided an invaluable level of input. The good news is that he has now been offered a full time position as a Care Navigator and is now preparing to move on from The Big Issue.

We wish Bean every success in his new role and thank him for the contribution he has made to The Big Issue’s mission of helping people help themselves.

Read more vendor stories here

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
'Utterly dire situation': Childcare costs surge to 'eye-watering' £158 per week
childcare
Childcare

'Utterly dire situation': Childcare costs surge to 'eye-watering' £158 per week

Tory government 'demonises' disabled people who face 'onerous' benefits system, UN warns
disability benefits/ disabled people
Disabled people

Tory government 'demonises' disabled people who face 'onerous' benefits system, UN warns

Museum sparks debate after listing Margaret Thatcher as a 'villain' alongside Hitler and Bin Laden
Politics

Museum sparks debate after listing Margaret Thatcher as a 'villain' alongside Hitler and Bin Laden

Eric Cantona teases Manchester United return: 'With Jim Ratcliffe I think we come back at the best'
Exclusive

Eric Cantona teases Manchester United return: 'With Jim Ratcliffe I think we come back at the best'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know