The Big Issue

[toby99]

Do you give money to, or buy from, the people who sell The Big Issue usually on the High Streets. If yes, why? If no, why not? Thanks

[tiggerblue10]

No.

I don't buy papers or have any free papers delivered to my house. Not really to do with charity.

[skyep]

Hi toby - Yes I give now and then. I give because although I'm not 'rich' I live comfortably, I can pay my bills. Some people question their integrity, I have my self at times. But I would rather be in my shoes than theirs if that makes sense! I give the benefit of the doubt and hope I'm never unfortunate enough to be where they are. xxx

[Lonnie]

If its a male selling, I usually look to see what type of footwear they have, some wear expensive trainers, those I pass by, but yes, occasionally I do buy one, all depending on my peception of the seller,

[naomi24]

I bought one once because I thought it was all in a good cause, but I didn't like the politics, so won't do it again.

[Buenchico]

I used to buy the Big Issue regularly because it was such a good read but I now find that much of it seems to be aimed at a younger age group than I fall into.

However, I still buy it occasionally. It's usually either because the seller is entertaining (there used to be a vendor in Norwich who would advertise his sales in operatic style) or simply because I feel sorry for the vendor.

I should clarify that last statement by making it clear that I don't feel sorry for the vendor just because he/she is homeless but I do feel sorry for anyone who's standing out in the rain and clearly finding very few people willing to buy the magazine. (It's just the same as if I see someone trying to conduct a market survey in the street. If they're obviously finding it hard to find someone willing to talk to them, I'll always ask if I fit into the profile that they're looking for).

If I do buy a copy of the Big Issue, I usually hand over �2 and tell the vendor to keep the change. During the past year, there have been weeks when I've had less than �10 to spend on food for a week but, if I've seen a Big Issue vendor who's clearly been getting no sales, I've still spent �2 out of my food budget on the magazine.

Chris

[radiogaga]

its good to see the empowerment the Big Issue has given to the vendors
i feel for them when people just walk right by and dont even acknowlege them with a no thanks.
i buy when ever i see a vendor, and i also give what ever i can spare in terms of change or cigarettes.
its nice to be nice and show some empathy for their situation.
we are all only two payslips away from homelessness ourselves.

[Ice.Maiden]

I'll buy one now and again, yes, because they feature some good advertisements for organic food, etc.

[Oneeyedvic]

Occasionally buy it but don't actually read it

[ruby27]

Yes I buy it every week, do not always read it though.

I also pay a monthly standing order to Shelter.

I choose to spend a proportion of my earnings by contributing to a number of charitable causes, with homelessness being one I particularly support because I think without somewhere to live, it is almost impossible to have a successful life. I am always conscious of the thought 'but for the grace of god go I'

[naomi24]

I probably need to clarify my first answer. I also give to, amongst others, homeless charities - I just don't like The Big Issue.

[theonlyone]

I buy the Big Issue , but there is not a lot to read in it , seems to be mainly adverts. I buy it as they are helping themselves .

[beatle3]

sometimesi give....saw woman selling them the other day she came to southwold noway was she homeless.we watched her get her money out thought we could't see her she must had about grand in 50s on her.she was later seen going back to london by train a fare of nearly 80quid.

[chazza]

No.

After someone I know was hassled at a cashpoint in Belfast by Big Issue sellers (who she thought were trying to confuse her and get the money she was withdrawing), she complained to the Big Issue company.

She was then told that the Big Issue was not (or should not have been) sold in NI, and that the matter was being investigated, as to how they are getting hold of the magazines.

[Octavius]

I tend to give the money without taking the magazine as I find it an excrutiatingly boring read. As said above it depends on the seller, but I generally gave the man selling it outside Boots ( who was there in rain, shine and snow and always polite) a note every week, and a bonus at Christmas.

Not because I feel I am giving to charideee or anything, just I feel he is trying to do something for himself and seems genuine.

[pingping]

I buy it occasionally, and like others say, always tell the vendor to keep any change. I'd rather buy the magazine than give money to a beggar, as at least the BI sellers are trying to get back on their feet, and doing what they can to change their luck. I think with the economy being what it is at the moment and 123 people (supposedly) having their houses re-possessed every day - being made homeless could happen to any of us. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[aims1202]

Yes i buy it often and usually have a chat with the vendor when i do. Sometimes get them food. I even bought one of them a pair of gloves from a charity shop recently, just couldnt bear it that her hands were so cold. She was so grateful. I have very little money myself and actually feel really bad if they ask me and i really dont have enough money for it.
The reason i do it, because i care.

[NikkiB]

A few days ago I was stopped by a lady with a foreign accent selling the Big Issue. I would hazard a guess from her dress and appearance that she was a Roma or some kind of immigrant from Eastern Europe.
Never mind. She was not a native of this country and I wonder why, if she is homeless here, did she come here in the first place and if her situation is so dire, why does she stay?
I've always felt strongly to helping the homeless but I think it's a madness to import the problem.

[Ice.Maiden]

It's come to something, when millions are raised for impoverished African countries - much of the money never getting to the people who need it most - and yet we can't look after our own. There should be no such thing as "homelessness" here. There are countless buildings standing idle which could be uised for this very purpose, but I'm afraid it's just not profitable.

[pingping]

NikkiB - has it ever occurred to you that the 'Roma' as you called her may have come to the UK to get a job, but ended up on the streets? if you're homeless I very much doubt you can find the spare cash to buy a flight home!