BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH RESPONDS TO MEDIA COVERAGE OVER BIG ISSUE SELLER'S COURT RULING
Last week saw Big Issue vendor Firuta Vasile, who sells the magazine in Bristol, win a court case to claim housing benefit following the ruling by a judge that selling the Big Issue is self employment.
Fay Selvan, chief executive of The Big Life group, which owns The Big Issue in the North said: " We welcome this decision and hope that it sets a precedent for future cases. As members of the EU and A2 nationals Romanian Roma are allowed to live in the UK however work opportunities are limited to certain highly skilled jobs, seasonal agricultural work or being self employed.
Anyone who is self employed or working is entitled to certain benefits, In the case of A2 nationals this is housing benefit and working family tax credits. Selling The Big Issue in the North is genuine self employment and we would defend anyone’s right to claim a benefit if they are legally entitled to it regardless of their race.
When Roma come to The Big Issue in the North they have few ways of earning an income and therefore securing and maintaining a roof over their and their families heads.
As a country we believe it is unacceptable for families to live in poverty – our benefits system supports this – and this support must reach every person and family which we allow to live and work here regardless of race."
SURESTART LONGSIGHT OUTREACH WORKER APPOINTED MBE FOR SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Saki Chowdhury, an outreach worker at Surestart Longsight Children’s Centre, run by The Big Life group, has been named in the New Year Honours List for services to Children and Families in Greater Manchester and appointed MBE. Read the full story and Saki's reaction.
FAY SELVAN WRITES FOR MAKE JUSTICE WORK BLOG
The Big Life group's Chief Executive, Fay Selvan, has written a blog for Make Justice Work. "If we really are going to make an impact on reducing offending, then we not only need to get the sentencing right – but also need to get the support right – to help people move away from offending and really improve their lives." Read the blog at the Make Justice Work website.
SURESTART LONGSIGHT CHILDRENS CENTRE GRADED OUTSTANDING BY OFSTED
Surestart Longsight Children’s centre, which is managed by social enterprise The Big Life group on behalf of Manchester City Council, was described as "exceptional in the way it meets the needs of the very diverse community"
The report on the children’s centre continues "The range of services is exceptionally well tuned to what the community wants and needs and makes sure that all groups or users are catered for.
BIG LIFE GROUP SUPPORTS THE SOCIETY PROFITS CAMPAIGN IN THE RUN UP TO THIS YEAR'S SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DAY - 17 NOVEMBER
MEETING ROOM FOR HIRE
Are you looking for meeting Room? The Big Life group's newly refurbished office on Stretford Road, Manchester has a meeting room for up to 14 people. Room has large table, powerpoint with built in sound system, whiteboards and flip chart.
Costs £150 per day or £75 for half day.
BIG LIFE GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE WINS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS LEADER OF THE YEAR FOR ENGLAND
Fay, who has been Chief Executive of The Big Life group since its creation in 2002, fought against strong competition in the Social Enterprise Leader of the Year category to win the title and will now go through to the UK finals being held on 30 March at The O2 in London. Click here for full story.
Fay Selvan, Chief Executive of The Big Life group of social businesses and charities, has been named as ‘Social Enterprise Leader of the year for England’ by the Social Enterprise Awards.
Cheque presented to SPOWE Uganda - Charity of the year 2010
posted:
10/03/2011
