The Big Issue

The Big Issue is one of Britain’s leading news and cultural magazines. Every week’s edition is packed full of original takes on the biggest issues of the day as well as interviews with the most significant figures in politics and entertainment. The Big Issue was founded 1991 to give people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to earn their own income. We continue to support hundreds of vendors across the UK and all proceeds from sales go to help anyone wanting to lift themselves out of poverty.

Hope among the ruins

THE DISPATCH • News, views & miscellany

The Big Issue

EDITOR’S LETTER • Posting you positive new year tidings

BIRD’S WORDS • Painting a picture as we head into 2025

Follow the herd • As we head into an uncertain New Year, meet the people (and bison) who are making a positive difference to those around them and the wider world.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… NATURE CONSERVATIONIST Derek Gow

Privatisation has failed. It’s time to take our water back

Come aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough • As you read this, the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough is somewhere in the Southern Ocean conducting scientific research about the impact of climate change at the extremes of the earth. Neets Buttle is now training to work on deck. She tells us what it’s like to be a member of the crew – from curious penguins to epic snowball fights.

We must seize the opportunity to fix our broken prisons

‘We are all connected’ • Hundreds of migrants have journeyed to Calais on their way to an uncertain future, and are living in inhospitable conditions. Volunteers on the ground provide essential support

Protest paramedics • A twisted ankle, eyes full of pepper spray: that’s where these volunteers in Germany step in

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... BABY BANK WORKER Cat Ross • Food banks have become normalised. Baby banks are becoming increasingly common too. In South Yorkshire, Beds for Babies was set up to provide beds and bedding for children born in poverty. CEO Cat Ross explains the need she comes across day-to-day.

A different path to wellbeing • In rural and isolated communities, mental health issues are often exacerbated. Matthew Costello is a counsellor in Bute who works with young people in schools and takes adults on nature walks to let the great outdoors lend a hand

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Oliver Davis • There are an estimated 700,000 young carers in the UK. Oliver Davis, aged 14, from Eastbourne cares for his mum Wendy, who lives with significant cardiac issues and the long-term effects of a stroke.

Look for surprises in the stars • If we’re not able to save the world, maybe some other lifeform can. Brian Rogers is a DPhil student in astrophysics at the University of Oxford. He is part of the Breakthrough Listen team, a project from SETI – the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF BEST OF 2024 • In Big Issue each week, we ask famous figures to look back and share words of wisdom with their younger selves. The interviews are always revealing, inspiring, hopeful and heartening. Here are some highlights from the last 12 months

LIFE

Superheroes, sinners and sequels: 25 films for 2025

A GUIDE TO HOLIDAY BINGEING

Puzzles

MY PITCH • Barnard Castle, County Durham Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm