Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter and feature writer at The Big Issue. She reports on a wide range of issues across social affairs and culture. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025. She was also a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30, and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
We're the first people modern slavery victims speak to when getting help. Their stories are shocking
a person holding someone's hand
Modern slavery

We're the first people modern slavery victims speak to when getting help. Their stories are shocking

Meet the heroic mum who faced gunfire and risked her life to save hundreds of children from war
Sally Becker on her first mission 'Operation Angel' in Bosnia in 1993
Humanitarianism

Meet the heroic mum who faced gunfire and risked her life to save hundreds of children from war

I was a migrant working in a warehouse. Then I got a role in a film about doing exactly that
On Falling film advert
Film

I was a migrant working in a warehouse. Then I got a role in a film about doing exactly that

London homelessness centre forced to turn young people away due to 'unprecedented demand'
new horizon youth centre, queue of people
Youth homelessness

London homelessness centre forced to turn young people away due to 'unprecedented demand'

One in five parents of disabled children wait more than a year to be seen by social services
Carla Alderman and her son Cameron, who have been supported by Sense. Image: Sense
Disabled children

One in five parents of disabled children wait more than a year to be seen by social services

Mouldy homes on London estate leaves dozens of tenants with serious health issues
Residents on the Nags Head estate. Image: Andy Parsons
Housing

Mouldy homes on London estate leaves dozens of tenants with serious health issues

DWP urged to withdraw 'dangerous' and 'inaccessible' consultation into benefit cuts
disability benefits cuts protest
Disability benefits

DWP urged to withdraw 'dangerous' and 'inaccessible' consultation into benefit cuts

Blind people feel 'anxious and outraged' over Labour's benefit cuts: 'I'm struggling as it is'
Disability benefits

Blind people feel 'anxious and outraged' over Labour's benefit cuts: 'I'm struggling as it is'

Torture survivors face 'gruelling' process to get disability benefits – and it could get even worse
banner that says 'What Now?'
Disability benefits

Torture survivors face 'gruelling' process to get disability benefits – and it could get even worse

Scrap two-child benefit cap to give local councils a much-needed cash injection, Labour told
child in waterproof jacket
Child poverty

Scrap two-child benefit cap to give local councils a much-needed cash injection, Labour told

Our children are in prison for murders they did not commit. We're fighting to change the law
Sally Halsall, the mother of Alex Henry, who is in prison for murder under the joint enterprise doctrine. Image: Supplied
Criminal justice

Our children are in prison for murders they did not commit. We're fighting to change the law

Water bills are going up in April 2025. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay
Cost of living crisis

Water bills are going up in April 2025. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay