Every year, at this time, we celebrate the Changemakers. We shine a light on those who make things better.
The Big Issue 100 Changemakers list is a tribute to the people and organisations who have focused, not on themselves, but on the rest of us. There is something in what they’re doing that will make the coming year better too. Selfless, frequently unheralded, though sometimes a little better known, they have identified something that needs to be done, something which lifts others, frequently through personal experience, and rather than wait and moan they get on and make change.
In 2024 we’ve done things differently. We have invited YOU to create this list. That means that every one of our Changemakers has been nominated by you, our Big Issue readers and supporters and wider community, including some familiar faces. You have told us about people who you’ve encountered who have made things brighter. Our task has been to settle on 100 names. We received nominations for people and projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We have looked for those who are responsible for innovative change, at whatever level, and who are a beacon for those in need.
Our 2024 Changemakers range from the UK’s first clothing brand created, designed and hand-produced by young ex-offenders to a former Royal Navy officer, whose work highlighting the experiences of veterans affected by the military’s LGBTQ+ ban led to a historic public apology from prime minister Rishi Sunak last summer.
There are many in between, including social media influencers, local community fridges and an octogenarian who over the last 50 years has collected unwanted household goods for people experiencing homelessness.
