The big issue factsheet:

• Street newspaper sold by the homeless

• It was founded in September 1991 and published in four continents
• Their mission is to dismantle poverty by creating opportunity
• Vendors by the big issue magazine for £1.50 and sell for £3
• Buyers must take a copy when paying for it as the sellers are working and not begging
• In 2016 the big issue sold its 200 millionth copy
• Since 1991 the magazine has helped over 92,000 vendors earn £115 million
• There are currently around 1500 vendors and last year alone the big issue helped them to
earn a total of £5.5 million
• The magazine is read by over 400,000 people currently

"a hand up not a hand out"

Founded by John Bird and
Gordon Roddick in September
1991 and published in four
continents.