Big Issue North is a business solution to a social problem. It’s a limited company employing staff to distribute Big Issue magazine that is sold by people who have limited other ways of earning an income in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber. As well as selling the magazine, our vendors are given advice by staff on how to get help with anything from developing their skills or accessing English language courses, to getting housing, financial or health advice, which can help them achieve their goals and improve their lives for good. Around 300 Big Issue North vendors sell the Big Issue magazine each week. Our vendors buy the magazine from one of our regional offices for £2 and then sell it on established pitches in towns and cities for £4. They keep the £2 they make on every magazine. Selling the Big Issue also gives vendors motivation and helps to boost their self-esteem. Big Issue North vendors are making a commitment to earn an income – working not begging. 75% of vendors have never begged, and 79% of the 20% of vendors who had committed crime prior to selling the magazine say they have offended less since they have been selling. Big Issue North Trust is a registered charity (charity number 1056041), which raises funds to provide a range of support for sellers including support accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs.
