Introducing The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers 2021

At the turn of each of the last two years, The Big Issue has celebrated society’s Changemakers: a list of the innovators, creators and radical thinkers who would be doing remarkable things to make the world a better place in the coming 12 months.

But 2020 was a year like no other, and making predictions for the 12 months ahead is tricky. Yet recognising these Changemakers has never been more vital. 

The Changemakers for this year are a little different. We identify those who’ll make a difference in 2021, while commending the important work done in the turbulence of 2020.

Tier 4 has taken income away from hundreds of Big Issue sellers. Support The Big Issue and our vendors by signing up for a subscription.

It was a year that demonstrated the wealth of community spirit across Britain. Countless people used what resources they had to make a positive difference. In a time when thousands lost jobs and relied on food banks, the generosity of neighbours changed lives.

1443 Changemakers cover

This year’s Changemakers collection includes people who have been out on the streets of London supporting rough sleepers nearly every day since the UK locked down in March and the residents of a small town who turned their local tourist information centre into a foodbank overnight.

It includes the boxers making sure young people don’t lose out on future opportunities and those who are continuing their legal fight to protect human rights.

It highlights some of the young activists who drove 2020’s Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The collection also recognises those who got creative to raise money for The Big Issue during its most difficult time. 

Find out who you need to know about in this week’s magazine, available from your local vendor, our shop or The Big Issue app as part of a subscription.