Waterloo Road star James Baxter to join the Big Issue's Big Debate in Newcastle

Do you live in Newcastle? Join us for the Big Issue’s Big Debate this Thursday (3 October).

Waterloo Road actor and Sunderland native James Baxter will join a panel of experts and community leaders to discuss how to drive meaningful change in the region.

The Question Time-style live event – chaired by Big Issue editor Paul McNamee – is part of our Big Community roadshow, a week-long initiative designed to understand the real issues facing communities across Britain.

“We believe the only way to bring change is to listen to those in the middle of things,” McNamee said. “We don’t know all the answers, but experience tells us that many people do. We will listen and seek to bring together these solutions.”

• Big Issue Community Roadshow coming to Newcastle

The community will have the chance to ask the Big Debate panellists – from a diverse range of sectors – their thoughts on the future of Newcastle and the North East.

Baxter is known for his roles in theatre and television, including standout performances in Scarborough at the Edinburgh Fringe and the BBC’s Still Open All Hours. Currently appearing as deputy headteacher Joe Casey in BBC One’s Waterloo Road, Baxter is also developing projects with a focus on representing Sunderland’s voice and providing opportunities for young talent in TV.

He will be joined on the panel by Lord John Bird MBE, Big Issue founder. Lord Bird  overcame poverty to become a leading activist, business leader and crossbench member of the House of Lords, focusing on poverty prevention.

Also on the panel is Charlotte Windebank, managing director and co-founder of FIRST, who is dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through entrepreneurship and driving social value across the region.

Other panellists include former Big Issue vendor Earl Charlton, theatremaker Catrina McHugh MBE, and Green Party councillor Nick Hartley.

This is your opportunity to ask pressing questions, raise local issues, and propose ideas for change. We encourage you to submit your questions in advance and be part of the conversation that shapes Newcastle’s future. Email questions to editorial@bigissue.com.

You can register for free tickets to the Big Debate here. The event will take place on 3 October at 7pm at The Common Room in Newcastle.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.