The Big Issue: Read all about it!

On the way to work, it’s easy to walk along in a bleary morning daze, listening to your i-pod, contemplating what the day ahead has in store and, let’s face it, what food is coming your way.  This is most certainly how I start my days, walking along, wondering if I’ve got my outfit quite right for the day’s temperature, enjoying my 90s classics playlist and being completely oblivious to the multiple men and women in red jackets that I (and most Londoners) must pass every morning.

I am ashamed to say that the only reason I noticed this particular Big Issue seller was because he was (very cleverly stood out side a Pret-a-Manger) and also directly opposite a road I had to cross to get to work every morning.  While waiting for the green man, I decided to buy one but panic (and shame) struck me when I realised I literally didn’t have a clue about how much it cost. 

After carrying out some research in order to buy it the next day, I was shocked and impressed to find out what a truly fantastic company The Big Issue is. 

          
-  Firstly, a Big Issue vendor has to make a conscious decision to go out and earn a living; after providing proof of homelessness or risk of homelessness, they must undergo an induction process and sign up to a code of conduct.  Once this has been completed, each vendor is allocated a Big Issue jacket, a pitch and specific number of free issues to sell.

-       Following the sale of these first free issues, vendors can purchase further copies for £1.25 each and sell them for £2.50.  This decision to spend money to earn money creates a basics in business course and hopes to achieve The Big Issue’s aim to ‘help them to help themselves’

-       The Big Issue Foundation also links vendors with vital support groups, such as housing and health associations and relies almost entirely on voluntary donations

The particular issue I bought had a Matilda front cover, a book (and musical) that I know and love.  Not only is The Big Issue title a seriously clever double entendre, the writing inside was interesting and witty; it was a magazine that I would have happily spent £2.50 on regardless of the added bonus of it being for a good cause.  I thought I’d write about it on here, as I am sure that many of you, like me, thought that The Big Issue was more or less a free giveaway for homeless people to sell on (which don't get me wrong, is still a good cause) but with the business backbone behind it, as well as all the other good work that the Big Issue Foundation achieves, I think it is a really admirable company, and something that is worth snapping out of your i-pod filled morning haze to give to.