As winter tightens its grip, the UK’s unprecedented poverty deepens with almost four million people, including one million children, now experiencing destitution and the profound impact that has on health, mental health and peoples’ prospects.
Hundreds are coming to the Big Issue to earn something to cover their basic needs. Its frontline team is working flat out to support them now and then in the future with training and employment programmes.
Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue and Big Issue Ambassador and actor, Daniel Mays, recently appealed to the British public to help as it sees a huge influx of people signing up to sell the Big Issue so they have a vital source of income.
Any support is welcome and can be buying a magazine, purchasing a subscription or making a financial contribution to the organisation.
The Big Issue Winter Support Kit (£34.99 www.bigissue.com/christmas) gives the recipient four copies of the magazine. Crucially that will enable vendors to receive a Big Issue beanie hat to keep warm, a hot drink and lunch item, so vendors are fuelled, supported by Greggs, they have the equipment to increase earnings through cashless transactions and a personalised support plan, including sales and employment training from the Big Issue’s Frontline Team.
Jon Gregg, who sells the magazine at M&S Muswell Hill, and Parliament Hill Farmers Market, said: “The hardest thing about selling in the winter is the cold. It’s harder to stay on your pitch.
“There are so many different ways the Big Issue can change your life. It’s helped my confidence a lot, my self-esteem.
“I’d like to say thank you for supporting us all year. We really do value the sales when you buy, even if it’s not every week. We realise that the cost of living crisis makes it difficult. But your support is invaluable, and we really appreciate people who come and buy it week in, week out in all weathers.”
You can support by buying a magazine from a vendor in the street or buying a Big Issue Working Winter Support Kit for £34.99 www.bigissue.com/christmas.
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