The Big Issue
More Than A Magazine

The Big Issue Wales is more than a magazine and for some vendors selling the magazine it is only the tip of the iceberg. Years of deprivation have taken their toll but since inception, numerous people have gained valuable skills through selling The Big Issue Cymru along with an appreciable increase in confidence and self esteem. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that one of the biggest factors in restoring vendors self worth is the contact and encouragement they receive from the public.

At The Big Issue we recognise the importance of being able to provide vendors with support and information – both practical and emotional – to help them move on from selling the magazine into accommodation and employment or training. And the vendor services department was established in response to these vendors’ request for more support.

“One of the biggest factors in restoring vendors self worth is the contact and encouragement they recieve from the public”

We provide a generic support service to vendors and other homeless people who come into our organisation. The service is varied and we respond to individual vendors’ needs, problems and aspirations.

Two support workers cover the south Wales area working with up to 100 active vendors. Apart from the obvious housing issues, areas such as health are also addressed. One of our primary aims is to give homeless people access to health services by getting them GPs, making sure they know where the homeless units are located and informing them of chiropody and dental services that are available.

We also provide advice about specialist services dealing with drug and alcohol issues, legal advice, debt issues, training courses and anything else that comes along.