Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Our 2024 'working to end poverty' impact report is out!
DOWNLOAD
News

There's snow stopping 'em! Vendors brave the Beast from the East

Snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures have battered Britain but our sellers remain on the streets working to lift themselves out of poverty

Jim Norwich snow

The Beast from the East may have brought Britain to a standstill – but it hasn’t stopped our Big Issue vendors.

Sellers across the country were faced with freezing temperatures and snowy conditions on pitches all week as they sold the magazine to work themselves out of poverty.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Despite the wintry blast, intrepid vendors remained on pitches throughout, spurred on by crucial support from regulars in these difficult conditions. The extreme weather was a harsh reminder that it is the most vulnerable who are hit hardest at difficult times.

Rough sleeping alerts app StreetLink demonstrated the harsh reality of life on the streets with record numbers of referrals as 3,600 people got in touch to report people sleeping on the streets – 2,032 in London – as the weather worsened between February 26 and 27.

While hundreds of schools and offices were closed, vendors do not have the luxury of working from home. Their job is tough at the best of times but their enterprising spirit was appreciated by people who shared messages across social media.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The snow has also brought a flurry of goodwill with football clubs donating leftover food after cancelled matches while everywhere from churches and mosques to cafes and community centres across the country have opened their doors to offer rough sleepers crucial shelter from the cold.
If you can’t reach your local vendor then you can buy the magazine from the Big Issue Shop here.
Introducing RORA Jobs and Training

Whether you’re in work, currently unemployed, or worried about your future job security, Big Issue RORA Jobs & Training is here to help. Search our latest jobs, register for alerts, browse training courses and find your next role today.  

Find out more
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

View all
Disability benefit cuts 'impossible to support', Starmer told by his own MPs: 'Cuts create poverty'
Keir Starmer
Disability benefits

Disability benefit cuts 'impossible to support', Starmer told by his own MPs: 'Cuts create poverty'

Starmer and Trump agree 'historic' UK-US trade deal. Here's everything you need to know
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump
UK-US trade deal

Starmer and Trump agree 'historic' UK-US trade deal. Here's everything you need to know

Majority of Brits disapprove of Labour's approach to tackling poverty, Big Issue polling finds
Big Issue vendors Andre, Kelvin and George
Poverty

Majority of Brits disapprove of Labour's approach to tackling poverty, Big Issue polling finds

Would reversing winter fuel payment cuts be enough to restore trust in Labour?
Winter fuel payment

Would reversing winter fuel payment cuts be enough to restore trust in Labour?

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

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

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

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.