Advertisement
Ethical Shopping

No matter the occasion, a gift made by artisans living with mental health conditions won’t disappoint

Design in Mind is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, which sources ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs.

As part of our Meet the Maker series, we speak to the people behind the creations in the Big Issue Shop – a platform for buying ethical products which put people and the planet first. This time, we speak to Lauren Crane, retail coordinator at Design in Mind.

What can we find on your part of the Big Issue shop?

A selection of cards, art prints, cushions, make up bags, pencil cases, and mugs, all designed by our members in our studio.

How do your products make a positive difference in the world?

Our products, not only, provide a sense of purpose for our Members, but also brighten up the homes and workplaces all over the UK with our bold, eye-catching designs.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

What inspired you to start your company and how did it start?

There was a huge need for an innovative service that provided people with mental health support, using creativity as tool to allow personal growth.

What is the biggest issue everyone should know about at the moment?

The cost of living, and how vulnerable people can be when struggling financially. This has a huge impact on people’s mental health.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Unfortunately, statutory services are extremely stretched, and organisations such as ourselves, and The Big Issue, are helping to prevent people reach crisis. That’s why we need people’s support now more than ever. 

What is one thing anyone can do to make a positive difference?

Being able to be a good listener. Taking time for people to talk, and to be heard, without judgement. Also, buy one of our make up bags!

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

Advertisement

Sign our petition to keep people in their homes

Urgent action is needed to prevent even more people being pushed into homelessness.  A secure home is the first step in addressing the cruel cycle of poverty to ensure people can fulfil their potential. Join us to keep people in their homes.

Recommended for you

Read All
Best charity shops: Where to find the best charities with shops
Charity

Best charity shops: Where to find the best charities with shops

Show your mum how much you love her with skincare from a brand conscious of its social and environmental impact
Meet the Maker

Show your mum how much you love her with skincare from a brand conscious of its social and environmental impact

Looking for a Mother's Day gift? Why not buy them from a brand that transforms rescued materials into luxury goods
Meet the Maker

Looking for a Mother's Day gift? Why not buy them from a brand that transforms rescued materials into luxury goods

Celebrate the women in your life this International Women's Day with jewellery designed with sustainability and social impact in mind
Meet the Maker

Celebrate the women in your life this International Women's Day with jewellery designed with sustainability and social impact in mind

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
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
2.

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

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023
3.

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue