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'We are here and we exist': Inside the neighbourhood offering sanctuary to queer Russians and Ukrainians
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BrightonBeachPride_HERO.jpg?w=768)
'We are here and we exist': Inside the neighbourhood offering sanctuary to queer Russians and Ukrainians
Scottish government is declaring a national housing emergency – but what does it actually mean?
![Scottish first minister John Swinney](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53711878320_2833d90b05_k.jpg?w=768)
Scottish government is declaring a national housing emergency – but what does it actually mean?
The UK used to be the most LGBTQ-friendly place in Europe. Now, it's not even close
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/50-years-of-LGBTQ-pride.png?w=768)
The UK used to be the most LGBTQ-friendly place in Europe. Now, it's not even close
Benefits system is 'utterly failing' as food bank demand reaches record high: 'It's heartbreaking'
![donate to a food bank](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5462_220812-WestLothian-1Y4A9070_cChris-Lacey-Photography.jpg?w=768)
Benefits system is 'utterly failing' as food bank demand reaches record high: 'It's heartbreaking'
'We're at breaking point': Food banks see record number of first-time users as demand soars
![food bank](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6921_230203-RugeleyFoodbank-MET05625_©-Robin-Prime.jpg?w=768)
'We're at breaking point': Food banks see record number of first-time users as demand soars
Benefit reforms 'entirely in the wrong direction' to help disabled people into work, DWP warned
![rishi sunak/ disability benefit reforms dwp](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53719650092_6a4c8787b7_o.jpg?w=768)
Benefit reforms 'entirely in the wrong direction' to help disabled people into work, DWP warned
DWP snooping on benefit claimants' bank accounts will 'decimate civil liberties', campaigners warn
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-14T163138.106.jpg?w=768)
DWP snooping on benefit claimants' bank accounts will 'decimate civil liberties', campaigners warn
DWP sparks outcry with plan to hire 2,500 'agents' to investigate universal credit claimants
![rishi sunak and mel stride/ dwp](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53664501945_df5012fc69_o.jpg?w=768)
DWP sparks outcry with plan to hire 2,500 'agents' to investigate universal credit claimants
Home Office drops plan to arrest homeless people if they smell
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1580_Manchester-van_Manchester-has-8-times-more-homeless-people-than-any-other-city-in-the-North-West.-Credit-Shikhar-Talwar-copy.jpg?w=768)
Home Office drops plan to arrest homeless people if they smell
Free school meals: Who is eligible? And how do you apply? Here's all you need to know
![Free school meals](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/42196ED6-4D76-4A90-90C7-D4F67A790B1D-e1663085633298.jpeg?w=768)
Free school meals: Who is eligible? And how do you apply? Here's all you need to know
Universal credit changes risk pushing vulnerable benefit claimants 'into crisis', DWP warned
![dwp universal credit/ parent balancing baby and work](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-sarah-chai-7282818.jpg?w=751)
Universal credit changes risk pushing vulnerable benefit claimants 'into crisis', DWP warned
Even Suella Braverman wants to end the two-child benefit cap. Why is Labour refusing to budge?
![suella braverman](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53038097891_0df397c9ec_k.jpg?w=768)
Even Suella Braverman wants to end the two-child benefit cap. Why is Labour refusing to budge?
Actor Liz Carr says it hurts to hear her younger self 'wanted to die'
![Liz Carr](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1615_YS_eyevine03083019.jpg?w=768)
Actor Liz Carr says it hurts to hear her younger self 'wanted to die'
Call for MPs to support new Ukraine-style visa scheme for Palestinians trapped in Gaza
![gaza protest](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ehimetalor-akhere-unuabona-pQbWJirJwbs-unsplash.jpg?w=768)
Call for MPs to support new Ukraine-style visa scheme for Palestinians trapped in Gaza
'We're needed more than ever': Big Issue's work has helped millions affected by poverty in last year
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Untitled-design-47-1.jpg?w=768)
'We're needed more than ever': Big Issue's work has helped millions affected by poverty in last year
Green Party leader Carla Denyer on climate crisis, fighting for trans rights and beating Labour
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_7136-e1713189937227.jpg?w=768)
Green Party leader Carla Denyer on climate crisis, fighting for trans rights and beating Labour
Can Keir Starmer really stop the boats? Labour warned immigration plan doesn't go far enough
![Keir Starmer greets new Labour MP Natalie Elphicke](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53707890465_34c3fb9623_k-e1715349365852.jpg?w=768)
Can Keir Starmer really stop the boats? Labour warned immigration plan doesn't go far enough
More than four in 10 council homes sold under Right to Buy now owned by private landlords
![council homes sold off under Right to Buy](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/49459529996_b4bec3f7e9_k.jpg?w=768)
More than four in 10 council homes sold under Right to Buy now owned by private landlords
Is 'edgy upstart' BrewDog now 'boring and ubiquitous' after years of scandal? Experts weigh in
![BrewDog](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5860586001_261d65eb02_k-e1715266059160.jpg?w=768)
Is 'edgy upstart' BrewDog now 'boring and ubiquitous' after years of scandal? Experts weigh in
'I'm terrified': Disabled and mentally ill people share harrowing experiences of benefits system
![rishi sunak/ dwp disability benefits changes](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53706186167_f737dc65d9_o.jpg?w=768)