Volunteering with The Big Issue this Christmas

Become a Christmas Volunteer

Are you keen to give back and make a positive impact this festive season? Well, why not become a volunteer with The Big Issue?

Whether you’re interested in helping out with office admin, or supporting vendors at the front desk, volunteering with The Big Issue is a great way to develop your skills and meet new people while helping to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of Big Issue vendors across the UK this Christmas.

Current Christmas volunteering opportunities include:

  • Festive season volunteering – mid-November – end of December

For each role you will need to fill out a short application form telling us why you would like to carry out the role. For some roles, we’ll ask you to provide references. This can be from a recent place of work or education within the last year. Where this is not possible, you can provide a reference from someone who knows you, who is not a family member. If you are interested in any of the opportunities above, please email volunteering@bigissue.com.

Reasons to volunteer

All our volunteers have their own motivations for being part of The Big Issue team but here’s just some of the reasons why you should sign up this Christmas:

  • A chance to work in a friendly team, make new friends and meet a diverse group of people
  • The opportunity to spread the joy and make an invaluable contribution to our work at The Big Issue
  • The ability to gain valuable transferable skills and work experience
  • A way to boost your CV – it’s a tangible achievement to highlight

Volunteer with your company

Volunteering with your company over the festive season is a great way to bring real expertise and impact that can change the lives of Big Issue vendors, making their Christmas a truly special one.

Our Christmas volunteering opportunities enable corporate volunteers to develop their skills and understand how they can make a contribution to ending homelessness. Email volunteering@bigissue.com to discuss how your company can make a difference this Christmas.


What training will I get?

Training will be given in various courses to support you to get the most from your role such as Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, General Health and Safety, and Data Protection among others.


“I really enjoyed the community atmosphere and the freedom given to the volunteers. The whole experience was very positive – it is one that keeps me coming back! You’ll make a big difference.”

Adam Jones, Volunteer

Carmen’s Story

Romanian Translation Volunteer, Bristol

It’s been an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve been able to help staff work with people who are in real crisis so I really feel like I’m making a difference, which is what I wanted. I’ve been translating at a weekly drop-in for the Roma vendors. They often face discrimination in their day to day lives but with our help they are able to tackle this and it’s great to see them take control and live full and happy lives here in the UK.


Volunteer Voices

Harmanjit’s story
Big Issue Foundation

Harmanjit’s story

Jonathan’s Story
Big Issue Foundation

Jonathan’s Story

Willow’s story
Big Issue Foundation

Willow’s story

Gabi’s Story
Big Issue Foundation

Gabi’s Story