rebuilding lives, one issue at a time

I chatted to a 'Big Issue' vendor earlier today whilst waiting to meet a friend for lunch.

Susan* told me that her life went to pieces after suffering a vehicle accident. Susan ended up living on the streets, until three years ago when she began selling the magazine outside a busy railway station. Distributing this excellent weekly publication has provided her with so much more than an essential source of income.

Susan now has a roof over her head, a daily routine, and a future to look forward to. As Susan explained, "If it wasn’t for The Big Issue, I'd be dead by now."

All of which made me think of the co-founders of The Big Issue, Gordon Roddick and John Bird. Susan has reminded me that one or two individuals with a vision really can improve the lives of a great many people.

*Name changed to respect privacy