| Product: |
The Big Issue |
| Date: |
20/02/05 (403 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Helps bring the disadvantaged back into work, A good read, Good value
Disadvantages: None that I can think of
Is it less than 14 years since the first edition of The Big Issue? This multi award-winning magazine seems to have been here for much longer. Inspired by Street News, the newspaper sold on the streets of New York, John Bird and Gordon Roddick (of the Body Shop) produced the first - then monthly, now weekly - edition in September 1991. Since then it has become as much a part of our high streets as Woolworths.
I hadn't thought of reviewing TBI until a friend of mine, seeing a copy left on the front seat of my car, remarked that it wouldn't interest her. Explaining that it wasn't all Social Services and Shelter I gave her the mag and she was surprised indeed. With the shiny appearance of a sunday newspaper supplement this is a journal written by professional journalists; and the awards include that for the world exclusive interview with George Michael after 6 years silence as well as Publisher of the Year Award and International Federation of Journalists Award. So you see this is no mean scribble.
Ah! I have forgotten the most important thing. The Big Issue is sold on the streets of our towns throughout the country by the homeless. The seller buys the mag for 60p and sells it to us for £1.40. Good idea isn't it? It means that someone who could well be begging has the dignity of a small business with the chance for new beginnings, however small. Aware that abuse can be a possibility all vendors are issued with an official badge and undergo training as well as signing a Code of Conduct. This states that the public must not be harrassed, there is no swearing, drinking or begging and the mag includes a telephone number for those who wish to comment on vendor behaviour. Earnings are declared to the DSS. The pitch in my own nearest small town tends to be held by Eastern Europeans who I assume are immigrants and I have never been bothered, just shown the mag as I pass with an announcement "Big Issue" and change has always been offered immediately.
What do you get for your £1.40 apart from the satisfaction of a small aid to those who want to lift themselves from homelessness or what is described as "vunerable housing"? The edition on my desk has rock band The Doves on the cover and a sample of the contents. Inside I read an in depth interview with The Doves and found that I liked them and what they have to say so much that I shall listen to their music for the first time soon. Yes Men, Andy Bichybaum and Mike Bonnano, justify the elaborate and surrealist pranks they play to embarrass the big corporations.
A review by John Bird of Nick Flynn's book "Another Bullshit Night in Suck City" (to be filmed) had me putting this title at the top of my list. Willy Mason ("the new Bob Dylan") is featured, an article on London's less than safe drinking water , News in Brief, John Bird's opinion column and politics; as well as a letter page, requests for help from the Missing Persons Helpline, classified pages which include recruitment and more are all offered within 46 pages. This mag is punchy, well written, accompanied by good photography and I find it great value. Of course there are advertisements and these tend to be charity orientated. It is also up to date with comment on the recent engagement of Prince Charles and Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles. So you see, rather than a dull old weekly to be bought to make us feel good, it is eminently readable as we relax with a cup of coffee.
The Big Issue has progressed further since its beginnings and now The Big Issue Foundation exists and does more than just support its vendors. It helps find accommodation for the homeless, whether for short or longer term and gives support for those who need it when managing a new home. Along with emotional care for TBI vendors the Foundation has joined with other agencies to offer help with housing, health, drug and alcohol problems and much more. The Foundation runs writing, art and photography groups and Street Lights is a feature within the magazine produced entirely by the homeless or those who have been. Altogether a great deal from our purchase of a magazine from a street-seller.
I happen to feel greatly about a situation in a country such as ours which permits people to live and sleep on the streets. Perhaps I should do a lot more. What I like about The Big Issue is that it gives people a chance to progress by their own efforts and with all the dignity which that means. Which brings me to a gentle reminder that a smile and few words don't come amiss as we hand over our weekly £1.40.
My title is taken from the top of the front page of the Big Issue and their website is www.bigissue.com
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