It’s a limited company employing staff to produce and distribute a weekly magazine that is sold by people who have limited other ways of earning an income in the North West and Yorkshire and Humber.
As well as selling the magazine, our vendors are given advice by staff on how to get help with anything from developing their skills or accessing English language courses, to getting housing, financial or health advice, which can help them achieve their goals and improve their lives for good.
Around 250 people sell Big Issue North each week. Big Issue North sellers buy the magazine from one of our regional offices for £1.25 and then sell it on established pitches in towns and cities for £2.50. They keep the £1.25 they make on every magazine.
Selling Big Issue North gives people the opportunity to earn an income. It also gives them motivation and self-esteem.
Big Issue North sellers are making a commitment to earn an income – working not begging. Eighty five per cent of vendors have never begged and 64 per cent of those who have committed crime prior to selling the magazine say they have offended less since they have been selling.
The Big Issue North Trust is a registered charity (charity number 1056041), which raises funds to provide a range of support for sellers including support accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs.
