Daniel Mays: Impact of Covid on Big Issue vendors inspired me to help

Actor Daniel Mays has said the “devastating” impact of the coronavirus pandemic inspired him to become a Brand Ambassador for the Big Issue.

Mays told The Big Issue that it was a “complete no-brainer” to highlight and support the vendors who are currently unable to sell the magazine on their pitches as the country battles the biggest health emergency in a generation. 

“The Big Issue stands for supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the country. And when you place that vital work in the context of the second national lockdown, it is compounded tenfold, isn’t it?”

1/2🚨Very proud to announce this morning I’ve become an official Brand Ambassador for @BigIssue. They are such a vital source of support for so many vulnerable people. I’m calling on your urgent support. This Christmas, as lockdown restrictions hit England and result in quieter- pic.twitter.com/RAFZKuEI4U

— Daniel Mays 🇺🇦💙 (@DanielMays9) November 11, 2020

The Line of Duty star raised money for The Big Issue during lockdown, offering himself as a raffle prize and then holding a 90-minute workshop for two aspiring actors.

“Now, as an ambassador, I’m up for being as involved in more of The Big Issue and its work as I possibly can be. Whatever it is, I’m in.”

Mays, who won acclaim for his recent performance in the ITV drama Des, said his relentless schedule during lockdown left him “a bit talked out” and the chance to be involved in The Big Issue was a “breath of fresh air”. 

“I said to my wife the other day, I feel so blessed and lucky to be given the opportunity to flip all that on its head and talk about some of the most vulnerable people in our society, as opposed to just talking about myself! It feels like a golden opportunity, with the platform that I’ve got to use that to really good effect.”

He added: “Once vendors are able to get back out on the street, come rain or shine, they will do so. So we need to support The Big Issue and its vendors now and drive that message home.” 

Read more from Daniel Mays on his pride at working with fellow ambassadors in this week’s Big Issue, available through our online shop and from your local vendor now. 

Big Issue vendors need your help now more than ever. More than 1,000 vendors are out of work because of the second lockdown in England. They can’t sell the magazine and they can’t rely on the income they need.

The Big Issue is helping our vendors with supermarket vouchers and gift payments but we need your help to do that.

Please buy this week’s magazine from the online shop or take out a subscription to make sure we can continue to support our vendors over this difficult period. You can even link your subscription to your local vendor with our new online map.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support.