Our Programmes

Our activities focus on wellbeing, skills, employment, social mobility and service accessibility. We deliver change-making programmes and meaningful opportunities to make a difference to the lives of Big Issue vendors and emerging groups of vulnerable people.

Early Stage Venturing

This innovative programme takes the corporate social responsibility tools of employee volunteering and grant funding to a whole new level.

Paul Snape card reader

Financial & Digital Inclusion

Working to ensure Big Issue vendors, are financially included and have access to the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Breakthrough

Our programme offers opportunities to 18-24 year olds from underrepresented and less privileged backgrounds, a career in the media industry.

Employability Programme

To equip vendors with job-ready skills, building on their personal development, experience and confidence to move towards stable work and lives.

Peer Mentoring Programme

Our mentors are individuals who have lived experience of homelessness, substance use and recovery, empowering others to take control of their lives.

Big Pitch: Vendor Placements

Supports vendors participating to progress towards their personal goals, access employment and training opportunities, and develop their sales skills by hosting a Big Pitch in your workplace. Social barriers are broken down as Big Issue vendors are welcomed inside, viewed as a valued member of a wider team and have an opportunity to develop their skill base. Partners including Network Rail, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Simmons & Simmons, Wellcome Trust and Mondelez have hosted Big Issue vendor.

Programme News

The Big Issue to launch new employment programme for young journalists
Employment

The Big Issue to launch new employment programme for young journalists

Big Issue founder calls on public to support Ride Out Recession Alliance
John Bird Future Generations
Employment

Big Issue founder calls on public to support Ride Out Recession Alliance

The Big Issue goes cashless with the help of iZettle
Hugh izettle
News

The Big Issue goes cashless with the help of iZettle