The Vendors
The Big Issue in the North is sold by over 350 people at any one time in over 190 towns and cities across the North of England.
Every week The Big Issue in the North Streetligths section aims to give our readers a greater insight into the lives and circumstances of vendors. Take a look at a Streetlights feature.
We publish a vendor audit annually which gives details about the people who sell The Big Issue in the North and access services provided by The Big Issue in the North Trust. Take a look at the 2008 Vendor Audfit.
What difference does it make
What difference does selling The Big Issue in the North magazine and getting support from The Big Issue in the North Trust make to the lives of the people we work with? We’ve been asking vendors who use our main offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield what The Big Issue in the North has done for them...
“Since I’ve been selling The Big Issue I have been able to move into a nice flat. I have addressed my drug problem and resolved it, I’ve put weight on and also started talking to my Mum and Dad again.”
Keith (Badge number 047 Leeds)
“I get lots of different pleasures out of selling The Issue, I meet lots of different people, it’s really opened my eyes to how many really nice people there are in the world. In the past 14 years of my life, I’ve just kept myself to myself through different issues, but now The Big Issue in the North helps me in so many different areas of my life.”
Arthur (Badge number 150 Leeds)
“I get a routine out of selling the mag. I used to have a drug problem, so obviously hardly ever worked for a four year period. Now I have a permanent pitch from 11am til 2pm and to me it is like a job with one major plus: the people you meet on a daily basis and every day are different. You meet people from all walks of life, I enjoy talking to people, it is fascinating listening to different stories and not being looked down on. I used to be a drug addict but thanks to The Big Issue and the people they put me in touch with I’ m not no more!”
Nicky (Badge number 131 Liverpool)
“Doing The Big Issue In The North has enabled me to go from living rough on the streets with low self worth, to starting to get back on my feet. Hopefully I am going to be in a position to get back into mainstream work or college soon.”
John (Badge number 29 Sheffield)
“The Big Issue in the North gives me an income to be able to look after my children. It helps to pay the bills and buy things for my family.”
Catlin (Badge number 99 Buxton/Manchester)
Here is a video of a day in the life of a vendor. Here