Become a Big Issue member to help end poverty in the UK
Become a Big Issue member from £5 a month – your support helps us create and campaign for lasting solutions to end the poverty crisis in the UK and change lives
With poverty now at its highest point in the 21st century, the UK is facing a poverty crisis – more than 16 million people are living in poverty and 3.8 million people are experiencing extreme poverty – struggling to eat, clothe and keep themselves warm.
2024 saw the biggest rise in absolute poverty for 30 years in the UK, and now, as we enter 2025, collective and decisive action is needed to end this crisis.
We must continue to give people the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty and at the same time fight for the government to put ending the poverty crisis into law, and not just an ongoing priority that fails to deliver prevention.
Earning
We enable people to earn an immediate income by selling the Big Issue. Our vendor’s buy the magazine for £2, sell for £4. We support a vendor to work by securing a pitch, accepting cashless payments, and providing 5 free magazines to get started.
We also support vendors with financial assessments, housing assistance, access to health services, and help with food and fuel poverty, gambling issues, and other cost-of-living challenges.
Coaching
Through Big Issue Recruit we help people facing barriers to employment into work. We offer personalised job support and a work readiness programme delivered by a dedicated job coach. This includes help with CVs, interview prep, and ongoing support for the first 3 months of a new job.
Campaigning
We campaign for change at a national level, pushing those in power to do more. Right now, we’re calling for a Poverty Zero law that requires every government to set targets to reduce poverty, which they would be legally accountable to. Want to take action? Email your local MP here and urge them to become a Poverty Zero Champion in parliament.
Investing
Through Big Issue Invest, we facilitate social impact lending into social-purpose businesses, creating core solutions at a local level to end poverty in the UK.
Since 2005, we have invested £90 million across more than 600 investments, extending our Group mission to end poverty.
Member Benefits
As a Big Issue member, you will receive:
- A digital welcome pack to share with your employees. This will introduce you to our work, impact, and what it means to be a Big Issue corporate member.
- A quarterly digital newsletter and webinar with updates on the positive change you’re helping create.
- A digital guide for your employees to take action in your community.
- Digital access to our exclusive 2025 Poverty Zero Summit, for everyone in your organisation. You’ll learn more about how to influence change and hear from experts and community leaders.
Become a member
Become a free member
Become a corporate member
We want to amplify the voices of those passionate about ending poverty. Please share your story with us at publicaffairs@bigissue.com
Read the full Big Issue membership terms and conditions here.
Social justice news
Labour’s housing benefit freeze leaves almost one million children at risk of poverty
Letters: Cut, cut, cut benefits… it’s the Tory Labour way
Big Issue founder tables bill for new government ministry dedicated to eradicating poverty
I live month to month, fighting to get out of debt – this is the reality of life on the breadline
