The big issue magazine?

[mickey house]

I have mixed feelings about whether to buy the big issue from vendors, so I wonder what others think.

There is one very polite chap who has been selling big issues outside the same supermarket for more years than I can remember. He never pushes them on anyone and just stands there quietly, and he has built up a big customer base over the years (probably due to his non pushy/polite approach).

There are however, some very pushy big issue sellers who force their big issue on you with "Merry Christmas thank you sir, big issue please Merry Christmas." You then get exactly the same script when you come out the shop (the Merry Christmas bit isn't all year round by the way).

I always thought that the idea of big issue was to get people on their feet, as opposed to them making a permanent living from selling them.

I have no problem giving something to those in need, and we have a choice whether to buy a big issue, but I'm just not sure if I should buy them or not.

As always dibbers views welcome.

[SquishTheWhale]

Have to admit I don't buy it now after encountering some very rude and pushy sellers over the years. For instance one who said he hopes I trip after I walked away from him, and one just the other day who screamed 'you don't care if I die do you' at us. I'm sure their situation sucks but I'm also sure it's not my personal fault! I have bought one or twice from sellers who were friendly and nice.

It's probably a very sad fact that with the huge homeless problem here in Milton Keynes you have to become numb to being asked for cash every 6 seconds, including the beggars, drug addicts, chuggers and big issue sellers that the streets are full of.

[bluedave]

I always thought it was about getting people back on their feet too but a couple of days ago I went on their website and they have a section about vendors.
For some it is a lifestyle choice - people who have accommodation and have tried other jobs but come back to selling the big issue as they like the flexibility ie they don’t have to work every day and can chooses their own hours. Their own website was an eye opener

[daisymae]

There used to be a lovely big issue seller at my nearest supermarket, so helpful and polite I always thought that the supermarket should give him a job. Used to always buy his magazine and his wife was selling it too when he wasn’t there. I stopped buying it when I found out that every weekend they were both in the bookies putting loads of money into the bandits. I stopped after that.

[Dinglebert]

I will attempt to type this without causing unnessary offense. I live in a relatively small town which has two supermarkets. Each Thursday and Friday there are two people who sell the Big Issue one at each store. They do not live in the town. At the same time there is another person who arrives and sits and begs outside Greggs again not someone who lives locally.

I have also looked at the website. My impression of the Big Issue was that it was there for people who for various reasons had become homeless. It was a way of them getting back on their feet. Clearly from the website they have done wonderful work over the years. Now it appears for some selling the Big Issue is their job. They have their patch and thats what they want to do. It feels wrong. If that is their patch and their job then where does the next person who needs that helping hand get to work?

[Guest]

There is somebody that sells the Big Issue outside my nearest town's M&S and he appears to have done so for at least just under 12 years (I bought my house in March 2008 and he was then, I have been away and come back and he is still there). He is not aggressive pushy, but he is pushy in that he asks directly and doesn't wait to be approached.

I do not buy it because I also thought it was supposed to be something to help temporary homelessness, but in my town it has helped one person in 12 years.

[lesley1960]

Just how long do you think it takes people to 'get back on their feet' ?
To do that they need a full time job and somewhere to live , the benefits system does not help single people , maybe you could all help with the practicalities of actually helping someone who is homeless ?

[Dinglebert]

Originally Posted by lesley1960

Just how long do you think it takes people to 'get back on their feet' ?
To do that they need a full time job and somewhere to live , the benefits system does not help single people , maybe you could all help with the practicalities of actually helping someone who is homeless ?

See more...

This is exactly the point being made. If Big Issue jobs have now become jobs for life and not jobs to help people get over a situation then just how do those people get the help they need?

[tocpe321]

The number of times I buy it is fairly low, but I have literally just bought one from a guy outside our local supermarket. First time I’ve ever noticed anyone there.

Don’t know exactly where it goes I.e. if permanently vending, but for £3 hope it helps a little.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by lesley1960

Just how long do you think it takes people to 'get back on their feet' ?
To do that they need a full time job and somewhere to live , the benefits system does not help single people , maybe you could all help with the practicalities of actually helping someone who is homeless ?

See more...

You are missing the point made by others. Do you think it is an effective means of helping people if, as in my town, it has helped one single person in twelve years that I know of, but probably even longer.