“I did it for 18 years and I used to debate with people who would say that I got the magazine for free. I used to say, ‘Mate, listen, we pay in advance for every copy and we come out and sell it.’ If you want to make a pound or you’re hungry I think you’ll do pretty much anything so selling magazines is not a bad thing.
“The Big Issue was there as a lifeline for me when I was in London and I was on the streets. I was riddled with addiction and mental health issues and I was sick of begging and borrowing and thieving and going to jail. The Big Issue came into my life and there was a balance.”
Earl’s remarkable story has had such a big impact that it even moved chart-topping singer Sam Fender to tears. The pair are now friends.
Earl left the Big Issue to work at Tyneside homelessness charity North East Homeless, helping people in the same situation he found himself in a few years previously.
He was “the first port of call” as he put it, helping to break down barriers with people experiencing homelessness who could relate to his story.
Earl has also been telling people his story around the UK as part of a tour off the back of the release of Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son earlier this year.
“The film has been a big, big moment in my life to be a big part of that. I’m quite honoured but I’m a big part of the change. It has made a big impact, just the story alone, just word of mouth and people going to see it.
“I’ve had people come out and approach me and contact me and say, ’We didn’t know people lived like that’,” said Earl.
“I had a big guy in a pub turn around crying telling me ‘I didn’t know people lived like that’ because he’s lived such a sheltered life. But that’s why I’m here to educate those who don’t know those things.”
Tackling homelessness has now become a life mission for Earl, even if he is also on the lookout for his next challenge.
“I’m doing events like open mic nights now but I am looking for a job at the minute. I’ve been back and forth around the country doing what I need to do to make the change that needs to happen,” he added.
“And also to make the mentality of the government change. The policies and legislations within the UK system has failed so many for so many years and it’s costing the taxpayer hundreds and thousands and millions of pounds. There’s a way to get out of this situation of poverty and homelessness. It might be a big investment but in the long term it will be cost-effective.”
Earl’s next port of call is in his native Newcastle this week. Catch him selling the Big Issue at Newcastle Central Station until Thursday or speaking at the Big Issue’s Big Debate.
“I love a debate. I’ve opened a lot of people’s eyes and changed a lot of people’s mentality about how the Big Issue works,” said Earl.
“Don’t be shy, give it a try! Come down and get your magazine and support the homeless helping themselves. If you want to have a chat about it I can talk to you about the Big Issue – good luck with that, you might be there all day!”
To hear more from Earl, head to the Big Issue Big Debate at 7pm on Thursday 3 October at The Common Room in Newcastle.
We invite questions ahead of the event, covering any aspect of concern for the people of Newcastle. Sign up for your free tickets to the Big Issue Debate here.
Big Issue is demanding an end to extreme poverty. Will you ask your MP to join us?
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.
