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
Young woman says she 'unravelled' when cost of living meant she couldn't keep herself clean
Tryphine/ Hygiene poverty
Cost of living crisis

Young woman says she 'unravelled' when cost of living meant she couldn't keep herself clean

From prison to cakes: The bakery changing the lives of London's most disadvantaged women
montey/ luminary bakery
Barriers to work

From prison to cakes: The bakery changing the lives of London's most disadvantaged women

Where to find free toiletries, period products and nappies in the UK
free toiletries
Cost of living crisis

Where to find free toiletries, period products and nappies in the UK

Child poverty in the UK: Latest figures as more plunged into destitution amid cost of living crisis
Image of child eating/ child poverty uk
Child poverty

Child poverty in the UK: Latest figures as more plunged into destitution amid cost of living crisis

One million UK children experienced 'horrifying levels of destitution' last year, study finds
teddy destitution
Child poverty

One million UK children experienced 'horrifying levels of destitution' last year, study finds

Adoptees share the 'extreme emotional challenge' of meeting birth parents decades after adoption
adoption/ Vivianne Grant
Adoption

Adoptees share the 'extreme emotional challenge' of meeting birth parents decades after adoption

Disabled people 'risk losing right to take part in society' with social care 'on its knees'
social care/ disabled people
Social care

Disabled people 'risk losing right to take part in society' with social care 'on its knees'

I have a fear of walking. DWP put me through hell waiting for a disability benefits tribunal
Sarah Smithers
Disability benefits

I have a fear of walking. DWP put me through hell waiting for a disability benefits tribunal

Sign up to Survival Guide: The Big Issue's cost of living newsletter with human stories at the heart
cost of living newsletter graphic
Cost of living crisis

Sign up to Survival Guide: The Big Issue's cost of living newsletter with human stories at the heart

Rapper and TV chef Big Zuu: 'The more people give back, the better the world we’ll see'
big zuu
Food poverty

Rapper and TV chef Big Zuu: 'The more people give back, the better the world we’ll see'

Young woman estranged from family recalls fight for survival amid cost of living crisis: 'I was scared'
Molly Taylor
Cost of living crisis

Young woman estranged from family recalls fight for survival amid cost of living crisis: 'I was scared'

Almost half a million kids could fall into poverty if benefits don't rise with inflation, experts warn
Child
Benefits

Almost half a million kids could fall into poverty if benefits don't rise with inflation, experts warn