The Big Issue has been a staple of UK streets for over 30 years, providing a legitimate means for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship to earn an income. With rising living costs and increasing homelessness rates, the role of social enterprises like The Big Issue has never been more critical. In Bournemouth, where homelessness continues to be a pressing issue, the magazine not only offers vendors a way to make a living but also provides essential support services to help them rebuild their lives.
Yasmine James, who works for The Big Issue in Poole, has been with the organisation for three years. She started as a volunteer before stepping into her current sales role, where she assists vendors in navigating their journey towards financial stability and independence. In this interview, Yasmine discusses the impact of The Big Issue, the evolving challenges of homelessness in Bournemouth, and what more needs to be done to support those in need.
For people who may not be familiar, how does The Big Issue work, and who can sell it?
There’s a common misconception that you have to be homeless to sell The Big Issue, but that’s not the case. The magazine is open to anyone who is experiencing financial hardship or needs an opportunity to work. Many of our vendors are in supported accommodation, or just trying to get back on their feet. This is a way for them to earn an income as self-employed individuals, giving them an alternative to begging or relying solely on benefits.
What does the process of becoming a vendor look like?
Anyone interested can walk into the office, and we’ll have a face-to-face chat to go through the vendor agreement and induction. We explain the dos and don’ts of selling the magazine, assign them a pitch, and offer tips on how to engage with the public. Each vendor gets a badge, and while they can purchase a branded tabard, it’s not mandatory. Once they’re set up, they’re ready to start selling.
Beyond providing an income, does The Big Issue have a wider impact on vendors?
Oh, definitely. I think it’s a massive well-being thing. A lot of people come here, it’s like they sort their heads out a lot, of them say. You know, it’s something to do, a reason to get up in the morning. And they can speak to other people in a similar situation, and give each other advice.
Do you have any standout success stories?
So many! One vendor arrived in Bournemouth with nothing—no home, no support, and really not very well either. Within three months, we helped connect him with St Mungo’s, and he’s got his own place now. He’s now got a mobility scooter, and still selling his magazine to support himself. He’s doing really well, so it’s really nice to see.
How has the cost-of-living crisis affected vendors and sales?
It’s definitely had an impact. Fewer people are carrying cash, so one of the things we offer to vendors is to go cashless by setting up bank accounts and providing them with card readers. But I think a good thing for Big Issue Vendors that really put their time into it and set up in the same place every day, they get to know their customers. They form almost like a friendship with the vendor, and are more likely to buy it each week. But I’d say random, impulse purchases from passersby have definitely dropped.
Has homelessness in Bournemouth has worsened in recent years?
I think it has become really difficult. We have great organisations in Bournemouth like St Mungo’s, but there are still many people who either can’t or won’t engage with services. Some have been on the streets for so long that the idea of managing bills and everything can be a lot. But with regards to people becoming homeless, I think it’s definitely become worse. But you know, we just do our best, we walk around and I offer cards out, and ask people if they want to try and get back on their feet? Because we offer loads of stuff, like toiletries. Anyone in need can come in and we’ll hand them out, give them a toothbrush and toothpaste or some deodorant. We’re also setting up with Half Time over the road, so we’ll be doing a drop in for people to be able to come and sign up and get to know what it’s about a bit more. Especially with begging being illegal now as well, it’s going to help a lot of people.
How does Bournemouth compare to larger cities when it comes to selling The Big Issue?
It’s probably a lot harder for vendors down here compared to a big city, like London, even just down to it being less diverse. I’d say the main customer base for vendors in Bournemouth is the locals, and generally older people. It’s difficult with there being a lot of students here too, I imagine a lot of them don’t even know what The Big Issue even is.
What’s something people experiencing homelessness need that they aren’t getting?
In my experience, it’s winter items that people need the most. So with The Big Issue, we have our Winter Support Fund, where we give out hats, scarves, emergency shelter, ponchos and things like that. Also, through our Hand Up fund, we can also order things like electric blankets, new beds, anything that can help their home be warmer. We don’t advertise this straight away, but once the vendor’s been with us for a little while, we do everything we can to help.
Is The Big Issue government-funded?
So The Big Issue is now Community Interest Company (CIC), not a charity, so we don’t receive funding from the council or anything. Instead, we rely on other companies and partnerships – Specsavers, for example, helps us provide free eye care for vendors who need glasses. We also work with other companies to provide essentials like food and baby supplies. It would be great to receive government support, but for now, we make the most of what we can get through our partnerships.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
For me it’s genuinely seeing the success stories. When you first see someone come in – sort of a bit wet, cold, tired, potentially upset, distressed, even a bit violent – and then seeing them now, housed, stable, and happy. That’s the most rewarding part.
What can the public do to better support people experiencing homelessness?
Buy The Big Issue! And take the magazine — for us, it’s a hand up, not a handout. If you see someone homeless and want to help, ask them what they need instead of just giving cash. Like, do you need something to drink? Do you need something to eat? Can I go buy you a jumper? Unfortunately, addiction is a huge problem in Bournemouth, and I can’t blame them. I don’t know what I would do if I was asleep on the street and in the cold, but a lot of them do depend on drugs. A lot of vendors will use The Big Issue to even support their addiction. But I know it’s their choice what they do with their money, and if they’re, you know, at least functioning, going out for the day and not using that day, then that’s a positive for me.
