Scotland Today -> The Big Issue
The Big Issue was set up in 1991 to give homeless people the change to make an income. It campaigns on behalf of homeless people and highlights the major social issues of the day. It also allows homeless people to voice their views and opinions.
Vendors are homeless, ex-homeless, or maybe vulnerably accommodated. We recognize that for many homeless people being housed, is only the first stage of getting off the streets. Therefore, if a rehoused vendor needs to continue selling The Big Issue, we allow them to do so.
Vendors buy the magazine for 40p and sell it to the public for £1. All vendors receive training, sign a code of conduct, and can be identified by badges with photos.
We have been kindly permitted to bring two articles from The Big Issue in Scotland, from June 24-30, 1999.
- On the up and up - poverty and poor health, by Liam McDougall, is about rehousing in the Glasgow Castlemilk Estate. People were moved from deprived areas in order to develop high-quality health and better social care. But now the high-profile programme is described as a 'cosmetic exercise' and the residents say that the project is £230 million poured down the drain.
- It could be you, an interview with Richard
Hunt who says that anyone can become homeless. He went from having a
career and a loving family to being alone on the streets. Now he is
rebuilding his life.
If you want to read more, you can find The Big Issue
on the internet.
Go to: www.bigissue.com
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