Tackling child poverty today to build a better tomorrow
Poverty in the UK has reached crisis levels — with child poverty at an all-time high and 3.8 million people experiencing destitution. At Big Issue Group, we believe ending poverty starts with creating real opportunities to work, earn, and learn— especially for the next generation.
That’s why we’re committed to supporting young people aged 18–24 to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Many of the young people we work with have grown up in poverty, are young parents, or care for family members. Their stories are shaped by struggle — but their futures don’t have to be.
We’re also campaigning on behalf of everyone (including all young people) affected by poverty. We are demanding that Keir Starmer set poverty reduction targets for this and all future governments.
Our approach to creating opportunities for young people
We offer practical, proven solutions that help young people work, earn, learn, and thrive:
- Job coaching and inclusive employment solutions for young people through Big Issue Recruit.
- Peer mentoring through our Equal to Equal programme.
- Support for care leavers via partnerships with the Care Leavers Covenant and other referral partners.
- Opportunities in vending and enterprise through Big Issue to earn an income on their terms.
- Indirect support – 57% of our vendors are working to create opportunities for their children
- Our journalism writes and fights for young people across the UK.
- Our OnSide magazine takeover (live Monday 23rd June 2025), we’re championing young voices across the UK.
We also support other organisations that work with young people affected by poverty and inequality. Through Big Issue Invest, we back mission-led organisations creating pathways out of poverty for young people across the UK — from skills training and mental health services, to community projects and inclusive employers.
Powered by partnership
We want to work with more youth-focused organisations to ensure young people get the support they need — when they need it most.
From street level to system change, we’re building a movement. Get in touch to explore a partnership.
How Big Issue supported young people in 2024
Young Big Issue vendor support:
- 208 young vendors accessed additional support from Big Issue
- 172 vendors accessed health and wellbeing support
- 75 were supported with a Winter Support Kit
- 42 were supported with a welfare check-in
- 40 were supported with energy vouchers
- 66 vendors accessed financial and digital inclusion support
- 36 were supported with digital support and guidance
- 12 supported in managing their benefits
- 7 received a refurbished iPhone through the giffgaff partnership
- 24 vendors accessed learning and employment support
- 6 were referred to Big Issue Recruit to find employment
- 14 received tailored sales training to increase magazine sales
- 12 vendors access housing support
- 11 received support and guidance for their housing situation
- 2 were supported to find new places to live
- 12 vendors accessed community and environment support
- 9 supported with immigration and citizenship information
Young Big Issue Recruit candidate support
- To date, Big Issue Recruit has supported 41 candidates aged 18-24, facing barriers to employment.
Our journalism writes and fights for young people
Father’s Day: Why it’s time to start talking about single dads
Scrap two-child benefit cap if you’re serious about child poverty, Rachel Reeves told
Auto-enrol eligible children for free school meals to end ‘postcode lottery’, government told
