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The Big Issue, founded by A. John Bird, raises the standards of street journalism at the same time as helping the homeless help themselves.

WHO? A. John Bird WHAT? The Big Issue, a quality newspaper distributed by the homeless WHERE? London, U.K. WHEN? 1991 WHY? To create income potential for the homeless so they manage their own lives

London has always had homeless people. And it has always had good-hearted people wanting to help them with food and medical care. But ten years ago, A. John Bird figured that the problem might come closer to being solved if the homeless could learn to maintain themselves using their own income. They would be one step closer to increased self-esteem. Together with Gordon Roddick – co-founder of The Body Shop – Bird launched a quality magazine, The Big Issue, that was to be sold on the street by homeless.

The Big Issue’s success has been overwhelming. The weekly has a circulation of nearly 200,000 copies throughout Great Britain and the concept has been adopted in other countries. Besides giving homeless people an earned income, revenues from the magazine go to a foundation that provides the homeless with work experience and other practical assistance.

The publication offers an alternative to begging. The homeless buy a pile of papers at 50 pence (0.75 euro/ 90 cents) per copy and sell them on the street at a 70 pence profit for a fixed retail price of £1,20. Selling papers has changed their relationship with their fellow city dwellers. “The Big Issue Foundation aims to help these people regain the dignity of independence,” Bird explains. “Self help. Self Esteem. Independence. It’s all good stuff.”

The Big Issue’s difference from other street papers lies its quality. Professional journalists write about relevant issues that are ignored in other media and the magazine offers space to ordinary people, including the homeless, who have little opportunity to tell their story to the media.

The Big Issue, 1-5 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LN, UK, telephone +44 20 7526 3200, patrick.lisoire@bigissue.co.uk, www.bigissue.co.uk.