TBIF Spring Newsletter 2014

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2014

A L IF E TURN ED AROU N D

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p1 / SPRING 2014

DEALING WITH THE RISE IN HOMELESSNESS IS OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE EVER

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2014

ACTRESS ALISON STEADMAN TRIES TO FOCUS ON VENDING! P10

CONTENTS Profile 03 Ex-vendor Owen Baily My Issue, My Pride 04 One vendor on the right track Stats The Way! 06 How we measure our impact Cycle Of Life 08 One vendor's Paris adventure Upcoming Events 09 How you can get involved The Stage Is Set 10 Actors try being vendors A Life-saving Vendor! 12 News From Around The Country The Vendor Support Fund 14 How you can change a life Paws For Thought 16 We salute vendors' furry friends Cover picture: Russ Capps The Big Issue Foundation is dedicated to the wellbeing of Big Issue vendors and we work with over 2000 individuals across the UK. Our skilled Service Brokers work one-to-one with vendors, creating bespoke life action plans with a core self-help ethos, to tackle issues ranging from health and accommodation through to money management and aspirations. The Big Issue Foundation is about taking control, moving forward, gaining independence and rebuilding lives.

SUCCESS IN THE FACE of adversity is something we can all relate to. For our vendors finding somewhere to call home, and creating goals to aim for, can help them move forward, develop a little resilience and a brighter future.

The Big Issue Foundation aims to help our vendors turn their 'livelihood' into the basis of a fulfilling life. Our approach is based on knowledge, experience and clear objectives. A ‘business-like’ approach is the only way we can ensure the best use of resources.

Of course, to manage we have to measure, and with your generous support I am delighted to tell you that we will achieve more positive outcomes for our vendors this year than ever before.

Over 4000 steps towards a new future is an incredible record; thank you to everyone for supporting our work. We have developed a simple visual summary of our work that helps illustrate just what this means. I hope that you find it useful (page 6).

Of course, behind every statistic there is a personal achievement. To quote our service broker Tom Belte on page 4 talking about vendor Lynne: "She has her own home now, a Big Issue pitch to sell on, cats to care for and an approach to life which can overcome hurdles."

We are also delighted to have been chosen by WhatsOnStage for a new two-year charity partnership (page 10). We will be encouraging theatregoers to help shine a spotlight on our vendors and raise much-needed funds to expand our work.

I am heartened by the achievements of our vendors and the support you provide through funding our services. This year we face our biggest challenge and need your support more than ever.

The dramatic growth in homelessness means that we have an unprecedented demand placed upon our small team. We have to increase our services if we are to meet the challenges we face on a daily basis.

Please take inspiration from this newsletter and help us in whatever way you can. Spread the word about our work and help us raise funds to do more.

We can’t afford to gamble on success. There’s too much at stake.

Thank you.

Stephen Robertson, Chief Executive, The Big Issue Foundation The Big Issue is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Roy's People www.royspeople.com

1-5 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LN Tel: 0207 526 3456 www.bigissue.org.uk Email: fundraising@bigissue.com www.twitter.com/TBIF www.facebook.com/TheBigIssueFoundation Registered Charity No. 1049077 UNSUBSCRIBE INFO: If you wish to unsubscribe or subscribe to e-newsletters please email foundation@bigissue.com or call 0207 526 3454

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p2 / SPRING 2014

Owen Baily

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Owen Baily is a former vendor who campaigns against Fixed Odds Betting machines and the 'hidden addiction' they carry with them. He is now working with Big Issue Service Brokers OWEN BAILY, 31, became homeless when he returned to the UK penniless after travelling in Holland. He moved to Canterbury and sold The Big Issue in the town in 2005 and 2006.

Owen struggled with an addiction to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) – digital roulette games which can swallow up £100 with every spin - found in the high street bookmakers. He now campaigns for better regulation of FOBTs in the betting industry.

“I was drinking with the street drinkers, and my gambling addiction ebbed and flowed with the drinking. The hostels are very chaotic places. Selling The Big Issue gave me some stability. It also helped give me a desire to get out of my situation.

I remember how it gave me some structure, a plan for the day, and I enjoyed the chance to run my own little business.

The freedom of going to a pitch and

developing my customer base was excellent.

My confidence built up. But I did fall into gambling addiction again – once I got back on the FOBT machines my day’s earnings could be gone.

selling the big issue "gave me stabilit y and the desire to get out of my situation "

Looking back I’m grateful to The Big Issue because it was a good option which sowed some seeds that paid off later. But I probably did it longer than I should. When I moved into new supported accommodation, it was time to stop. I was ready to move on.”

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p3 / SPRING 2014

After finally kicking his long-standing gambling habit last year thanks to residential rehab with the Ley Community, Owen is now living happily in Oxford and working for Marks & Spencers.

“I do feel liberated from gambling, and a better person for having looked at the underlying reasons I did it. I have learned to enjoy life. I’d love to help other Big Issue vendors who are dealing with a gambling addiction: I think there will be quite a few out there. It can be a hidden addiction among people who might seem to have no other big problems.”

Owen has in the last couple of months been collaborating with The Big Issue Foundation to help train The Big Issue Foundation’s service brokers, to better identify help and support for vendors with gambling issues.

MY ISSUE, MY PRIDE

MY NAME IS Lynne and 13 years ago I had a nervous breakdown. My son was two years old, my relationship with my partner broke down, and I had to leave the family home.

I ended up on the streets of Birmingham sleeping in doorways and down by the canal. I started drinking really heavily - this was the height of my depression.

For many years I was lost and felt there was no hope for my future. Then, one night, the Big Issue outreach team told me about the organisation. I felt I needed to get myself out of the situation I was in - I was suicidal - so I signed up that day, and it was the day my life started to change, my first step towards recovery.

The last three years have been an

uphill struggle but I now live independently in my own flat with my three cats, Jojo, Normo and Timbo.

I have also stopped drinking and I have been dry for two years now. This would not have been possible without the help and support of Tom from the Big Issue Foundation and the rest of the team at The Big Issue.

I simply don't think I would be alive today without this help. My Big Issue gives me a great sense of pride, a sense of being. I hold my head high and am now reaching for the stars. I have just started college and my future looks bright.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the help from the Big Issue family and for this I am eternally grateful.

"I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED LYNNE" care for and an approach to life which can overcome hurdles due to her lovely soul and inner strength. She is made of tougher stuff than I’ll ever be made of and for that reason I have always admired her. In January at our vendor awards Lynne was recognised for her piece of writing (above) about her time at The Big Issue - it is definitely easy to see why.

Tom Belte, Area Service Broker, The Big Issue Foundation

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p4 / SPRING 2014

PHOTO: RUSS CAPPS

"I met Lynne five years ago; I inducted her on her first day. She is unrecognisable from the Lynne I met then. What has stayed, though, is her natural ability to remain caring, friendly and smiley even when times were incredibly tough for her.

Lynne got out of her situation with these qualities and kicked on and I have always enjoyed the relationship we have maintained through this time.

She has her own home now, cats to

i simply don ' t think " i would be alive today without this help "

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p5 / SPRING 2014

WE HELP VENDORS WITH:

Thanks to you

MEASURING SUCCESS

Finding temporary or permanent housing and ending rough sleeping

Access to healthcare and help with addictions

With your help and support in the last year The Big Issue Foundation has produced a record-breaking number of positive outcomes.

Take a look for yourself!

Achieving sales ambitions. Accessing education and training

THE BIG ISSUE Foundation is the charity arm of The Big Issue and is 100% reliant on donations from the public.

With your support we provide specialist and individualised support that will allow Big Issue vendors to move away from life on the streets.

Additionally, our ‘Vendor Support Fund’ provides vendors with financial assistance to purchase an item needed to achieve their goal of employment, housing, etc.

NUMBER OF CONTACTS WITH VENDORS 23,603

20,000

15,000

13,631

10,000 2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

POSITIVE OUTCOMES*

2012/13

4,597

£228 WILL LEAD TO A

‘POSITIVE OUTCOME’.

OVER

50%

4,000

2,644

3,000

Re-connecting with family and friends

ON AVERAGE

ACHIEVEMENTS: 25,000

Financial counselling: obtaining ID, opening a bank account, learning to save

Supporting families

2,000

1,124 1,000 2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

* An outcome is achieving a goal (sales target, finding accommodation, opening a bank account) or accessing a service such healthcare, coaching or counselling.

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p6 / SPRING 2014

HOW WE HELP VENDORS:

ACCESSED EDUCATION OR TRAINING

3%

ACHIEVED EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING GAINED OFFICIAL ID

61%

21% 7%

1%

1%

ACHIEVED PERSONAL ASPIRATIONS

ACCESSED THE NHS OR ADDICTION TREATMENT RE-HOUSED IN PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

ACHIEVED PERSONAL SALES GOALS

OPENED BANK ACCOUNT, ACCESSED FINANCIAL SUPPORT

90%

FIGURES

2,000 approx.

10%

MEN & WOMEN

including 500 in LONDON.

average weekly revenue

+- 40 MAGAZINE SALES

2%

V ENDOR

VENDORS

£100

4%

Copies sold per week

82,000

Sales peak for Christmas

250,000 THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p7 / SPRING 2014

OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

• corporate placements • work in magazine distribution • work experience • training of new vendors

Big Issue vendor Elliot Schofield

THE CYCLE OF LIFE

Cycling from London To Paris in aid of The Big Issue Foundation can be a daunting prospect but with advice, support and camaraderie anything is possible. As vendor Elliot discovered...

THE LONDON TO Paris bike ride is the Big Issue Foundation’s most successful fundraising event of the year, and we’d love to welcome you on to the team for this summer’s event!

For the last eight years we’ve set off from London with an energetic group of supporters and enjoyed three challenging, tiring, highly rewarding and inspiring days together getting to Paris using only pedal power.

There are always a fascinating mix of people on the rides, and often we have current or former Big Issue vendors taking part.

Last year it was the turn of Big Issue vendor Elliot to join our London To Paris ride. Despite still being an active Big Issue seller he managed to raise over £700 for The Big Issue Foundation – a remarkable achievement. We are so proud. Here is his story: "I have been in a good place for a while and happy with my new home and all of the things I had accomplished or was accomplishing. I had done well with The Big Issue.

I grasp any opportunity to get involved with The Big Issue Foundation to talk

about how they have helped me, including talking at their annual awards and taking part in The Big Brum Night Walk.

After the Night Walk I found out about the London To Paris cycle ride and I immediately thought ‘wow’ this could be

WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE LONDON TO PARIS CYCLE RIDE I T H O U G H T ' W O W, THIS COULD BE THE ONE FOR ME' the one for me. I believed it was possible so I spoke to Tom, a service broker from the Foundation, who offered his advice, guidance and encouragement.

Tom referred me to a local bicycle refurbishment social enterprise - there I learned how to build a bike and I was given the task of building and refurbishing my own bike for training. It was a great THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p8 / SPRING 2014

learning curve; it fitted in with the ethos of The Big Issue as I wasn’t just given my own bike, I had to work for it.

Tom also helped me get a passport for the ride with a small grant to help cover the costs from the Vendor Support Fund.

Day 1: Portsmouth-bound and hills I got to our meeting point early on the first day, there were lots of handshakes and greetings, it was really friendly. We had a safety chat and got to meet the guides and cyclists. My guide gave my bike a last-minute look and changed a wire, which was very helpful of him. I was pleased to be in (Big Issue Foundation Chief Executive) Stephen Robertson’s group as he is good company and nice to chat to. There was even a tandem in our group!

After all of that we were off and I had an overwhelming sense of achievement for making it this far. We went through a beautiful park and the sun was shining so gloriously. I was so happy. I enjoyed the pace as it was steady but not too fast and I could still talk to my fellow adventurers.

We had breaks for water and photos; we also had carbohydrate gels which were helpful and important for keeping our energy up.

EVENTS CALENDAR To be a part of our fun and engaging fundraising events – whether it is cycling, walking or sleeping out – please call 020 7526 3455 or go to www.bigissue.org.uk/events

Elliot celebrates completing the ride

The Big Issue Foundation team

LONDON TO PARIS BIKE RIDE 24TH-27TH JULY 2014

THE FREEDOM TRAIL PYRENEES WW2 TREK There were one or two hills that caused me to get off my bike; it wasn’t that I couldn’t do it but I was tired and I did need to reserve my energy. I had to remember I had never attempted anything like this.

After riding all day we arrived in busy Portsmouth, I felt great; I had a shower and had dinner before boarding the ferry. We were off to France!

Day 2: Look At The Views!

We were woken up in various languages by the boat tannoy so I leapt up and quickly realised that my legs were quite sore. The weather was glorious and we came ashore for breakfast. Before I could say 'croissant' we were back on our bikes.

Some of us were starting to feel the toll of the heat but the team stayed together and kept each other going with encouragement. There were lots of stops

I WAS SO OVERWHELMED, I THINK IT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST DAYS OF MY LIFE

along the way for filling up our water bottles, snacks and photos.

Day 3: Champagne Champions When I woke up my legs were really sore but I felt like the finish line was in sight.

I was ready to end, I had cycled from London and I was heading to Paris!

Paris was in the distance and before I knew it I was cycling up the ChampsÉlysées and cheering along with everybody.

Someone shouted “champagne” and we were over the line. I was so happy, we all hugged and smiled. The sense of achievement washed over me and I was so overwhelmed, dare I say it I think this was one of the greatest days of my life.

I would like to thank The Big Issue and The Big Issue Foundation Birmingham team, Moira and Susannah, for helping me to get there and complete the London To Paris bike ride. Thanks to The Big Issue for getting me up to the point where I could do something like this. To those thinking of doing something like this, you can do it to and you can join me next year.

It could be the greatest thing you have done too.

Elliot Schofield, Birmingham Vendor No 56.

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p9 / SPRING 2014

15TH-22ND SEPT 2014

PRUDENTIAL RIDELONDON 10TH AUG 2014

THE BIG SLEEP OUT 20TH SEPT 2014

Actress Haydn Gwynne has a go at selling

The WhatsOnStage vendor day

T H E S TA G E I S S E T

Partnering with WhatsOnStage is helping put vendors in the spotlight and actors on the street

By Big Issue Vendor, Andre Rostant IT WAS THE night of Sunday 23 February outside the 2014 WhatsOnStage Awards at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. Audience and celebrities had gone in, Steve and Easton, Big Issue vendors, remained. They had stood for an hour in the cold. Between them they had sold just three magazines. In fact, Easton hadn’t sold any. During a break, Rufus Hound popped out and bought a copy from Steve.

Meanwhile, inside, Haydn Gwynne, winner of a Best Supporting Actress In A Play award, spoke passionately about The Big Issue and her experience selling the magazine as part of StageSwap.

Easton was philosophical: “The Big Issue’s done lots for me. It’s important to give something back – like Bob Marley says, you can’t just keep drawing water from the well.” Nominated to be here by readers who

described him as friendly and having a good heart, he said: “I was surprised to be asked,” he said modestly. On his regular pitch at White City, Easton chats with people while he works. Steve said of the West End: “I don’t know how you sell here, with all the

I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU SELL HERE WITH ALL THE CROWDS AND THE BUSTLE crowds and bustle” – his pitch on Upper Street, Islington, is busy, but not like the mad West End rush. This evening he was living up to readers’ description of him as “an absolute hero”. Both he and Easton were THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p10 / SPRING 2014

happy, enjoying the vibe enormously.

“Maybe on the way out”, Steve said.

That’s the thing about theatre. You get the glamour and the audience while, barely noticed, around and in between flow technicians, backstage crews, ushers, cleaners. Outside The Big Issue vendors share the pavement with a twilight world of beggars, passers-by, council sweepers, drunks – other street people and, hidden behind the theatres, in the dark alleyways, rough sleepers.

Given the bridges The Big Issue and we vendors span between the everyday and those troubled shady realms of peril and uncertainty, we could have been the skeletons at the feast – but that’s the point, we’re not about shroud waving – The Big Issue takes real, positive action and changes real lives, not just for vendors but in the wider community: before trying to sell the magazine, Haydn had not realised we are

Alison Steadman

Vendor Chris Sherrington at his favourite place Hyde Park, as featured in The Big Issue magazine

traders, buying and retailing – like many others, she had some vague idea we were given The Big Issue for free.

Haydn spoke with the zeal of a convert and guess what: by the end of the evening, Steve and Easton’s quiet optimism was justified; they had sold more than enough copies to make their evening a great success – to stars and theatregoers who knew exactly what they were buying and why.

As WhatsOnStage’s official charity partner, The Big Issue Foundation had privileged access to the event – we were able to photograph and interview the celebrities.

We also took a donation from the programme sales, made a bucket collection and ran a raffle – all of which raised nearly £2000 towards practical support for the 400 London vendors, including me!

What’s more, thanks to ours and Haydn’s efforts on the night, other actors have signed up for StageSwap: so keep a look out - they will take to the streets during the coming months to raise awareness, sell the magazine, share the vendors’ perspective, find out about The Big Issue Foundation’s supporting work and themselves benefit from an invaluable life experience.

A big thank you, then, from me and all the vendors to those who made nominations and – a case in point of The Big Issue Foundation’s work – for giving me the opportunity to bring you a vendor’s take on the hugely successful event.

The Big Issue Foundation has been named as the official charity partner of the WhatsOnStage Awards 2014 and 2015. The awards are an annual four-month campaign ("the true theatregoer's choice") that includes two star-studded events (this year involving Daniel Radcliffe and Gavin Creel, right) which top and tail audience voting, and are in aid of the Big Issue Foundation.

WhatsOnStage are also working closely with The Big Issue company, which produces and distributes the magazine, and which has signed up as an Official Media Partner of the Awards.

Together the collaboration will see a series of powerful, year-round editorial and fundraising initiatives to shine a spotlight on homelessness in Theatreland and beyond.

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p11 / SPRING 2014

NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

PIC: MATT LINCOLN

The Big Issue Foundation is busy UK-wide supporting, advising and encouraging each and every amazing, hardworking, inspiring and, in one case, life-saving vendor!

Life-saving vendor Istvan

BIG Big Issue ISSUE vendor VENDOR Istvan Istvan is often is often seen with seen a broom on his and has featured with a broom onpitch, his pitch, andbeen has been in the Bath Chronicle for his dedication featured in the Bath Chronicle for his to keeping histopitch clean and tidy.

A few dedication keeping his pitch clean and week's ago,week's however, found an tidy.

A few ago,he however, healternative found an use for his broom saving someone’s alternative use for –his broom – saving life!

Istvan Kakas someone’s life! is a Hungarian former chef who currently The Bigformer Issue Istvan Kakas is asells Hungarian chef in Bath. whoHe currently is a familiar sells The and Big welcome Issue sight in is a familiar many on toBath. manyHe commuters andsight localtopeople his pitch onand the local wellknown commuters peopleHalfpenny on his pitch on Bridge, which he often decorates the wellknown Halfpenny Bridge,with which he flowers, and adorns tinsel and toys over often decorates withwith flowers, and adorns Christmas time. with tinsel and toys over Christmas time.

OneSunday SundayIstvan Istvanwitnessed witnessedaachild childfall fall One intothe theRiver RiverAvon Avonduring duringaacycling cyclingtrip tripon on into

thebusy busytowpath. towpath.The Theyoung younggirl’s girl’sfather father the jumpedinto intothe theriver riverin inan anattempt attemptto to jumped rescueher, her,but butthey theyboth bothended endedup upcaught caughtin in rescue thecurrent. current.Our Ourquick-thinking quick-thinkingvendor vendorran ran the fromthe theother otherend endof ofthe thebridge, bridge,and andused used from hisbroom broomto tohelp helpthe thechild childand andfather fatherout outof of his theriver. river. the

I DIDN'T THINK, I DIDN'T HESITATE FOR A SECOND. IT'S MY REFLEX THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p12 / SPRING 2014

Hesaid saidhe hebarely barelyhad hadtime timeto toprocess process He whatwas washappening, happening,and andacted actedon oninstinct: instinct: what "Ididn’t didn’tthink, think,IIdidn’t didn’thesitate hesitatefor foraasecond, second, "I it’smy myreflex, reflex,everyone everyoneelse elsewas wasjust justfilming filming it’s ontheir theirphones phonesand andnobody nobodytried triedto tohelp." help." ititon AfterIstvan Istvanpulled pulledthe thepeople peopleout outof ofthe the After river,an anambulance ambulanceturned turnedup. up."The "Thelittle little river, girlgot gotchecked checkedover overby bythe theambulance ambulancedue due girl tobeing beingin inthe thefreezing freezingwater, water,and andwas was to treatedfor forshock. shock.Her Herfirst firstquestion questionwas was treated ‘Where’smy mybicycle?'’’ bicycle?'’’

‘Where’s Istvancontinues continuesto tosell sellon onhis hisregular regular Istvan pitchon onthe theHalfpenny HalfpennyBridge, Bridge,which whichhe he pitch plansto todecorate decorateagain againnow nowthat thatthe the plans weather weatherisisgetting gettingbetter, better,and andstill stillhas hashis his trusty trustybroom broomwith withhim, him,just justin incase! case!

OXFORD November and December were

busy months at the Big Issue office in Oxford, with several inductions and a focus on helping vendors to maximise their sales while simultaneously encouraging them to save money. The ‘Saving Competition’, which involved vendors agreeing their own personalised savings target and achieving this by using the Vendor Saving Scheme, proved a real incentive, with all ‘successful’ participants obtaining prizes of free magazines. One vendor saved up enough money to pay his contribution towards a grant for a passport application.

Although it has been markedly quieter since Christmas, there has still been plenty happening! In particular, vendors have been encouraged to pursue ‘New Year’ aspirations by, for example, enrolling on new term courses at the local Crisis Skylight Centre and composing a current CV.

AWARDS GIVEN OUT RANGED FROM OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION, TO MOST ACCIDENT PRONE, AND MOST SMILEY FACE WEST MIDLANDS Every month we

decide who should win our Vendor Of The Month award. This is for a vendor who has either achieved great sales, a commendation from the public, or has been a pleasure to have in the office. However, we felt this award just wasn’t enough.

So, we decided to have an awards ceremony in January 2014 to celebrate the achievements of our vendors. Vendors won awards ranging from Outstanding Contribution to Most Accident Prone, Hardworking and Smiley Face to Best Newcomer. It was hosted by Brewsmiths, a local cafe, and attended by invited vendors, businesses who’ve supported us, and the Police Chief Inspector of Birmingham City Centre, Stuart Bill, who presented the awards and also let vendors try on his police helmet! It was a great day.

creative ways for the community to support us. We’ve done talks to local groups, had business people and students out selling the magazine to better understand what it’s really like being a vendor, and have been raising funds through a Bristol Sleep Out and the Bath Half Marathon.

Rough sleeping in both cities has, sadly, increased. In response, we are stepping up our outreach to signpost to services and encourage people to try vending.

DORSET AND HAMPSHIRE We are

presently focused on supporting our Big Issue colleagues with recruitment of new vendors by networking with existing and new agencies, including several new food banks and accommodation providers in the area.

As well as our existing NHS drop-ins we also have a careers advice service drop-in focusing on employment, education and training. Recently two Lush cosmetics staff spent an hour selling The Big Issue aided by two vendors; this was a great opportunity to work with the local retailers.

We are still undertaking multi-agency outreach with our local street services team; thus we can support some of our most entrenched rough sleepers into housing.

Vendors have also been treated to a series of cooking workshops, teaching them how to eat healthily on a budget.

LONDON

The Big Issue works with a diverse group of vulnerable individuals all of whom sell the magazine in order to earn a legitimate income. We have seen an increase in requests for support from vendors who are keen to try and enter the mainstream employment market and find job opportunities. Some requests are from people who are new to the country and they are taking their first steps towards integrating into living and working here.

In London we have focused on helping our vendors prepare and produce CVs, find and register with recruitment agencies, and connect them with the advice services that are there to help everyone gain a better understanding of issues around national insurance and tax payments.

We have also been supporting vendors in obtaining identification, accessing basic training courses and helping them prepare to move forward in today's jobs market.

BRISTOL AND BATH The Bristol team

has been in place for just over a year now and has achieved fantastic results in helping vendors take 622 positive steps towards their goals, including accessing healthcare, moving into accommodation, gaining official ID and finding employment. Such has been the success we are now planning to expand the support we offer to surrounding towns.

Across the region we’ve been working hard to raise awareness and to look for

THANK YOU TO Richard Pilgrim David Hatcher and all at 'Property Week' The incredible Selesti team for Wonderful Web Work!

Haydn Gwynne for her support and fantastic speech at the WhatsOnStage Awards Laura & the team at WhatsOnStage Northern Trust Rob Dunger David Phillips employees for their support at Christmas Body Shop Foundation British Red Cross first aid education for vendors Andy Commons St Mungos in Bristol Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service Streetwise Bournemouth Borough Council Matt Rees Marie Grunenberger Trotzier for amazing design work Anna Brewer – who more than quintuplicated her £200 sponsorship target Pret a Manger

This year we are partnering with the Red Cross, who are giving First Aid training to our vendors. Big Issue vendors often find themselves helping people (see Istvan's story, left) and the Red Cross's Everyday First Aid approach can only help them be more effective and helpful on the street

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p13 / SPRING 2014

Our volunteers around the country we couldn’t function without; a special thank you to Will Prince, Coralie Laurencin and Anna Verey for extraordinary efforts.

THE VENDOR SUPPORT FUND Our national Vendor Support Fund is available on application to vendors throughout the UK. The fund aims to give a hand up to vendors with a specific goal in mind. Vendors save and contribute 20 per cent towards the cost of an item. We grant the additional 80 per cent from our donated funds.

Marc has been selling The Big Issue for three months, and started bidding on properties with Birmingham council. Earlier this week he logged on and found he had a viewing for a property!

He discovered that he was top of the list on a place in Kings Norton and went to view it. He signed the tenancy, but the flat has nothing in it. So we will go to the City Mission to choose items from their housing starter pack. The pack costs £100 and comprises a

secondhand sofa, bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bed linen, and possibly crockery.

Marc has been working with the sales team to up his sales and two weeks ago gained priority on the Piccadilly pitch.

This was a fantastic achievement as his sales before that had been fairly low. He is now very comfortable there and this will be an excellent place to be for this year. He is feeling optimistic about the future – he says that this is an unusual feeling and that he’s not sure how to handle it!

Requested: £100 Own Contribution: £20 Authorised Vendor Support Fund: £80

£7 A MONTH HELPS A VENDOR TO BUY ESSENTIAL HOUSE ITEMS WHEN SECURING ACCOMMODATION. IT’LL MAKE AN EMPTY FLAT A HOME. Big Issue vendor Kris

Homelessness is on the rise. Simple items that we all take for granted can seem like an impossible dream to a person living on the street.

£50.40 BOUGHT CHRIS FROM OXFORD A NEW SUIT AND SHOES FOR A JOB INTERVIEW £77.50 PROVIDED ANNA FROM BRISTOL WITH A PASSPORT TO USE AS OFFICIAL ID TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

PIC: KAT PRESCOTT

£200 ENABLED PAUL FROM PLYMOUTH TO BUY A SET OF TOOLS FOR THE START OF HIS PLUMBING COURSE “A hand up is what The Big Issue offers, helping me to be self-sufficient - it is the guiding light I needed."

Elliot Schofield, Big Issue Vendor

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p14 / SPRING 2014

There are over 2000 Big Issue vendors across the country determined to get off the streets. But the Foundation’s support network is currently simply too thin on the ground to help them all. Please help us expand our services so we can help more vendors across the country A commitment of £7 a month could help fund the salary of a Service Broker who works to support our vendors with their individual needs.

4. I WOULD LIKE TO SET UP A REGULAR GIFT Instruction to your bank or Building Society to pay

by Direct Debit

Service user number 9

7

3

6

0

4

Please fill in the form and send to: The Big Issue Foundation (charity No: 049077) Freepost LON17469, London, SW8 2BR

£7

£10

£20

Other

Amount: £.................

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To: The Manager

Bank/building society

Address Postcode Name(s) of account holder(s)

Bank/building society account number

Branch sort code

Reference (for official use only)

1. CONTACT DETAILS Name

Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay The Big Issue Foundation Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The Big Issue Foundation and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Address Postcode

Signature(s)

Date

Email Telephone

Banks and building societies may not accept direct debit instructions for some types of account

Date Of Birth

5. DONATE VIA TEXT

2. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE?

To donate £10, text the number 70070 with a text saying: TBIF13 £10

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3. I’D LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD Amount £ Name on card

I would like The Big Issue Foundation to reclaim the tax on all qualifying gifts of money I have made in the past four years and all future donations I make from this day forward until I notify you otherwise. I confirm that I am a UK Tax Payer and that I pay as much Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount that all the charities and CASCs that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for each tax year. (6 April to 5 April), currently 25p of tax for every £1 I donate. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Please return this completed form to our Freepost address: The Big Issue Foundation (Registered charity No. 1049077) Freepost LON17469, London, SW82BR

(last three digits on back of card)

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p15 / SPRING 2014

A dog is a friend and a companion to someone living on the street

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

A dog can provide a healthy attachment otherwise missing in the lives of homeless people “STUDY NATURE, LOVE nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you,” Frank Lloyd Wright advised his art students. One of the most reassuring sights to see is a Big Issue vendor standing accompanied by a faithful companion: their dog. In many lives, attachments from birth have been severed and children and babies don’t experience the connection that they deserve, with their mothers or caregivers.

This loss of communion, trust and dependency from the very outset of a child’s life can rupture the fragile basis necessary for their stability. Our ability to feel safe in the world is violated and the lives of people who are not loved well in childhood can unravel with deleterious consequences.

At The Big Issue Foundation we come

into contact with some of the most vulnerable and determined people in the UK. Discovering a healthy attachment can be instrumental in any of our lives and it can be catalytic in the restoration of a life

ONE OF THE MOST REASSURING SIGHTS IS A VENDOR AND HIS DOG strewn with inconsistent care and broken bonds. A dog can do just this.

Here at The Big Issue Foundation we have seen how instrumental the dogs of Big

Issue vendors can be in sustaining the high spirits, feelings of friendship and sense of responsibility in the vendors whom we work with. Each human has needs for intimacy, affection and companionship and when everything else in our lives seems to have been taken away from us, a dog can provide all three. Because they are so loved and often the most prized possession of a vendor they are often the best looked-after pets. It is more than anecdotal to say that the dogs of vendors will often eat before the vendors themselves.

Vendors’ lives are characterised by being outdoors and facing the public. Their loyal hounds even get more of a chance to be outside being walked than many less fortunate pets couped up inside.

GOOD HEALTH TO VENDORS' FURRY FRIENDS At Nottingham University a student-led veterinary clinic, working in partnership with The Big Issue, has been treating the pets of people faced with homelessness.

This highly successful clinic has treated about 60 animals per month and is delighted to have received sponsorship for another two years. Not only has it provided an accessible place for those living on the streets to receive care for their pets but is also great training for veterinary students.

Under the supervision of qualified teachers, students carry out routine health checks and preventative care measures such as giving vaccinations and worm treatments. The staff and students are pleased to see what healthy condition the animals are in generally, having been well cared-for and often only requiring routine healthcare such as flea treatments. Occasionally ear infections and arthritis have been found but are considered to be relatively minor

THE BIG ISSUE FOUNDATION / p16 / SPRING 2014

and common ailments.

Staff at the veterinary centre in Nottingham are happy to know that their work is making a genuine difference to the patients and their pets. One of the students commented: “Often the only companion that these homeless or vulnerable people have is their animal.”

In supporting Big Issue vendors to look after their pets they are helping those who face homelessness sustain a relationship with a reciprocating pet.