Send and Receive...'Work with your local community'...

THE

BIG

ISSUE

http://www.bigissueinthenorth.com/

IN

THE

NORTH...

'The North is a business solution to a social problem'...It employs people to write, design and distribute a magazine that is sold by homeless people across the North of England.

It also had a tailored programme that goes with selling the magazine called The Big Life plan, which helps to support vendors achieve their goals and move away from the streets for good.

Vendors buy The Big Issue in the North from one of our regional offices for £1 and then sell it on established pitches in towns and cities across the North of England for £2. They keep the £1 they make on every magazine.

Selling The Big Issue in the North gives homeless people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income. It also gives homeless people motivation and self-esteem.

Big Issue in the North vendors are making a commitment to earn an income - 65% of vendors have never begged.

97% of vendors say they commit a lot less crime since they have been selling the magazine.

This is something my friend Amber is also interested in through the way that they allow people to help themselves, as an alternative to general charity work, and so we are both trying to get a place with the group.

After reading about other organisations through Voluntary Action Leeds, Leeds City Council and others, we weren't sure what we were interested in, but after a chat with Christian it was clear that people use this brief to do something they would never really do and it gives you the chance to push yourself out into society and face something you may find an uncomfortable situation to be in.

Living in the city centre we walk home everyday to see people selling the North and a guy sells it outside our flat most days. After buying a copy to read through we knew it was something we were interested in and so re-searched it further in anticipation to get in touch.

We have got in touch with the nearest office which is in Leeds...sending an email to a woman named Patricia, with reasoning for wanting to work closely with them for a short amount of time and for any information or perhaps a short chat with her or someone involved within the group.

This is the first people we've got in touch with and so await a reply.

Here's our email..