Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
SPECIAL PRICE: Just £9.99 for your next 8 magazines
Subscribe today
News

The Big Issue wants to support Ukraine refugees arriving in the UK - here's how

As thousands of people flee Ukraine and head to the UK, The Big Issue is offering the chance to earn some money.

Christopher Eccleston

Christopher Eccleston and Big Issue vendor Easton Christian. Image: Andy Parsons

Thousands of people fleeing the war in Ukraine will soon be welcomed in the UK, with more than 150,000 people already signed up to offer them a place to stay through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Here at The Big Issue, we want to do what we can by offering those arriving in the UK the chance to sell the magazine.

The Big Issue exists to support people who are homeless, long-term unemployed or in need of extra cash to avoid falling into debt.

In unpredictable times, we provide an opportunity for people to earn their own income.

Getting started couldn’t be simpler. We give vendors five free magazines so they can start earning straight away, and they receive ongoing support from our team.

Want to get involved? Know someone who might benefit? Or working with refugees to help them get a start in the UK?

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

Here’s how it works:

  • Vendors buy each copy of the magazine upfront for £1.50 and sell it to the public for £3 – making £1.50 on every copy sold.
  • Our vendors wear a red tabard, work from a fixed pitch, and can choose their hours of work
  • Our frontline staff work on a one-to-one basis with vendors to support them on their journey

Anyone who wants to earn some money can get in touch at one of the following offices:

  • London: 222 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3NX. Call: (0)20 7526 3445
  • Birmingham: 47 Kenyon Street, Birmingham, B3 1UR. Call: (0)121 236 1936
  • Bristol: Unit 1, York Court, Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QF. Call: (0)1179 428 538
  • Norwich: The Pottergate ARC, 28 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DX. Call: (0)1603 613 865
  • Bath: South Vaults, Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1JB. Call: (0)1225 337 050
  • Brighton: St Mary’s Chuch, 61 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1PR. Call: (0)1273 240 138
  • Newcastle: 13 West Road, Fenham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 9PU. Call: (0)1912 737 537
  • Nottingham: 99 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG1 5BB. Call: (0)115 959 8711
  • Plymouth: 27 Adelaide Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, PL1 3JG. Call: (0)1752 226 724
  • Glasgow: 43 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 1HW. Call: (0)141 352 7274
  • Cardiff: Hastings House, Fitzalan Place, Cardiff, CF24 OBL. Call: (0)2920 255 670

For more information on how to become a Big Issue vendor, click here.

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.

Recommended for you

View all
Here's when people will get their benefits from the DWP over Christmas in 2025
dwp benefits christmas/ bauble
Christmas

Here's when people will get their benefits from the DWP over Christmas in 2025

How did net zero get so politically toxic?
Net Zero

How did net zero get so politically toxic?

There's no trust left in the world. How can we get it back?
Trust

There's no trust left in the world. How can we get it back?

Homeless people needed protecting from hot weather more than ever before in 2025
a homeless man in hot weather
Homelessness

Homeless people needed protecting from hot weather more than ever before in 2025