Big Issue Education Programme
Assemblies and workshops for schools that bring fairness and social justice to life
Why Big Issue Education?
For over 30 years, Big Issue has worked to help people earn their way out of poverty. Now we’re bringing that experience into classrooms. But why?
Young people care about fairness. They care about what’s right.
Big Issue Education helps them understand how poverty, homelessness, and opportunity shape the world around them – and what they can do about it.
We run school assemblies and workshops that give pupils real insight into life in the UK today. They hear directly from people who have experienced homelessness and disadvantage. They ask questions. They challenge assumptions. They leave thinking differently.
This is education rooted in real life.
Our education vision
For all young people to understand how fairness, compassion and social justice shape a stronger society.
Our education mission
To inspire and empower young people through bold educational storytelling that champions fairness, compassion, and social justice – shaping a generation ready to build a stronger, more inclusive society.
We don’t lecture.
We start conversations.
We show what’s possible.
What we offer
Big Issue Education provides:
- School assemblies (online or in person)
- Interactive workshops (in person)
- Guest speakers with lived experience of homelessness and poverty
- Clear links to PSHE, SMSC and citizenship themes
- Real examples of how social enterprise tackles poverty in the UK
Our sessions help pupils:
- Understand poverty and homelessness in the UK
- Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions
- Explore fairness, choices and consequences
- Learn how social enterprises create change
- Build empathy, teamwork and confidence
Real Stories. Real Voices.
Our guest speakers are current or former Big Issue vendors.
They volunteer to share their experiences and have completed safeguarding training. Every session is age-appropriate and carefully delivered.
Hearing directly from someone with lived experience helps break down stigma. It replaces myths with understanding.
It shows resilience.
It shows dignity.
It shows what work can do.
Who is it for?
- Assemblies are suitable for the Primary School age range
- Workshops are suitable for children aged 7-11
- Secondary school workshops will begin in September 2026
- Post-16 workshops for academies, multi-academy trusts, colleges, and alternative provision (coming soon)
If you’re looking for PSHE workshops about homelessness, school assemblies on poverty in the UK, or citizenship sessions on social justice and fairness, Big Issue Education can help.
Sessions are charged to reimburse participating vendors for their time and contributions and to support Big Issue in continuing its work to end poverty in the UK.
FAQs
How much do the sessions cost?
Please contact our education coordinator, Sue Lomax, at bieducation@bigissue.com for details.
Are sessions available online?
Yes. Assemblies can be delivered online with a vendor participating. Workshops are in person only due to their interactive nature.
Where are sessions held?
Assemblies can take place in your school hall or online. Workshops are classroom-based and involve group activities.
How long are the sessions?
Assemblies last 25–30 minutes. Workshops last around 45 minutes.
Who are the guest speakers?
Guest speakers are current or former Big Issue vendors who have volunteered to take part. They are safeguarding trained and supported to share their stories appropriately.
How do we book?
Email Sue Lomax at bieducation@bigissue.com to arrange a session or discuss your school’s needs