Advertisement
Get your first 12 issues for just £12
SUBSCRIBE
News

Truro vendor Nick finds wellbeing in nature

Nick has been struggling since he's been unable to sell the magazine, but his spirits are buoyed by the wildlife near his caravan

Nick Cuthbert Exposure Photo Agency

Nick Cuthbert. Image: Exposure Photo Agency

The natural world has provided a source of comfort to Nick Cuthbert since he has been unable to sell The Big Issue in Truro.

Like all Big Issue vendors, Nick hasn’t been able to sell the magazine since March due to the risk presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to The Big Miss You Podcast, Nick said that he is grateful that his caravan is surrounded by wildlife.

“I’ve been putting out bird feeding tables, bird feeders, nesting boxes, so really keeping myself busy with that,” he added.

“On the full moon it was mental, it was so loud with wildlife. Badgers, foxes, deer – it was full-on that night, on that Strawberry Moon. I suppose that’s kept me smiling.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Nick said he has been working six days a week for at least nine years selling the magazine. As well as finding it hard to get by without his usual income, it’s also difficult for him to adjust to being away from his customers.

The Big Issue has been helping him with some money and food vouchers, but Nick is really looking forward to the day it’s safe for him to return to his pitch outside M&S at Lemon Quay in the Cornish city.

Nick’s customer Sally is also looking forward to his return.

“I think of you. I do admire your resourcefulness, Nick,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to the day I can come and buy The Big Issue from you.”

You can hear the full interview with Nick and Sally on this week’s edition of The Big Miss You Podcast.

You can listen to this and all previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Acast, Google, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please subscribe to stay up to date with the latest episodes.

If you would like to send a message to your vendor through The Big Miss You Podcast, please do get in touch.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town
homeless peoples' tents in street
Homelessness

Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support
disabled person working
Disability rights

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'
Homeless families at a protest about council housing
Homelessness

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say
woman in supermarket
Cost of living crisis

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know