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Ethical Shopping

No matter the occasion, a gift made by artisans living with mental health conditions won't disappoint

Design in Mind is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, which sources ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs.

Staff, volunteers, and members standing outside Design in Mind studio

The Design in Mind studio is based in Shropshire. (Image: Design in Mind)

As part of our Meet the Maker series, we speak to the people behind the creations in the Big Issue Shop – a platform for buying ethical products which put people and the planet first. This time, we speak to Lauren Crane, retail coordinator at Design in Mind.

What can we find on your part of the Big Issue shop?

A selection of cards, art prints, cushions, make up bags, pencil cases, and mugs, all designed by our members in our studio.

How do your products make a positive difference in the world?

Our products, not only, provide a sense of purpose for our Members, but also brighten up the homes and workplaces all over the UK with our bold, eye-catching designs.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

What inspired you to start your company and how did it start?

There was a huge need for an innovative service that provided people with mental health support, using creativity as tool to allow personal growth.

What is the biggest issue everyone should know about at the moment?

The cost of living, and how vulnerable people can be when struggling financially. This has a huge impact on people’s mental health.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Unfortunately, statutory services are extremely stretched, and organisations such as ourselves, and The Big Issue, are helping to prevent people reach crisis. That’s why we need people’s support now more than ever. 

What is one thing anyone can do to make a positive difference?

Being able to be a good listener. Taking time for people to talk, and to be heard, without judgement. Also, buy one of our make up bags!

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

READER-SUPPORTED SINCE 1991

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

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