Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Don’t miss this offer - 8 issues for just £9.99
SUBSCRIBE
News

Peter’s Story

What we do is not rocket science. We help people right when they need it, often with simple grants through our Vendor Support Fund. These grants can make a big impact on the lives of our vendors, offering that small hand up to those in need. It is your generous gifts that allow us to provide this Vendor Support Fund that enables vendors like Peter to move on with their lives…

Peter used to sell the Big Issue when it first launched in 1991. The confidence and skills he developed whilst selling the Big Issue enabled him to secure a place training as a bus driver. Sadly a series of life events resulted in Peter rough sleeping and selling the Big Issue again in 2016. His past experience of selling the magazine as well as his work as a bus driver meant he knew how to talk to customers and how to handle money. He soon saved enough money for a room which he moved into early last year.

Having settled into his new accommodation, Peter started looking into the future and set to work exploring his employment options. He started searching and applying for jobs but found that he didn’t have the smart clothes needed to attend interviews. The Big Issue Foundation suggested that he apply for some funding through the Vendor Support Fund to help him get back on his feet. The Big Issue Foundation’s Vendor Support Fund enabled Peter to access funds for a shirt, trousers and a pair of smart shoes in preparation for his interviews. Donning his new clothes, Peter started to attend interviews and last Spring once again secured work as a bus driver. He has really enjoyed being back on the road and returning to his old career.

We join with Peter in thanking you for this amazing support.

The Vendor Support Fund

The Big Issue Foundation is not funded by magazine sales and 98% of our work is funded through voluntary donations. It is only because of the generosity, commitment and belief of our supporters that we are able to do our work, which is to connect vendors with the specialist services and personal solutions that enable them to rebuild their lives.

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

Your generous gifts allow us to provide a Vendor Support Fund, which vendors throughout the UK are eligible to apply for. Like the Big Issue magazine’s business model of self-help, vendors save and contribute up to 50% (20% minimum) towards the cost of the item required. The Big Issue Foundation, through our donated funds, then provide the remaining balance to help vendors increase their employment related skills, improve their financial management or improve their opportunities to engage fully with society.

You can help support our work further by donating to the work of The Big Issue Foundation here.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

View all
Unions are getting 'more powerful' as young, LGBTQ+ and disabled people eye up membership
Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London on October 1, 2022.
unions

Unions are getting 'more powerful' as young, LGBTQ+ and disabled people eye up membership

It will take 700 years to replace UK's ageing water network at current pace: 'A wholesale betrayal'
Water

It will take 700 years to replace UK's ageing water network at current pace: 'A wholesale betrayal'

Mum-of-two shares experience of 'dehumanising' DWP benefits system: 'It could kill somebody'
Image of Naomi Lihou
Benefits

Mum-of-two shares experience of 'dehumanising' DWP benefits system: 'It could kill somebody'

UK's 'cruel' benefits system is 'ruining lives' and 'violating human rights', Amnesty report finds
keir starmer walking
Benefits

UK's 'cruel' benefits system is 'ruining lives' and 'violating human rights', Amnesty report finds

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.