Ben Bradshaw, MP of Exeter becomes Big Issue vendor for the day

Ben Bradshaw, MP of Exeter, took to the streets of the city this week to get a taste of life as a Big Issue vendor.

Ben took to a pitch outside  outside Northenhay Gardens on Friday 3rd August.

Speaking about the experience, he said: “It was a positive experience, everyone was really friendly...A lot of people have genuine concerns about homelessness and rough sleeping, if they want to really help they could buy the magazine, and they’ll know where the money is going. The organisation works well, it’s managed and coordinated well. If they don’t want to buy, they should talk to the vendor. If they have the time, they should stop and ask about their life. You can see how the vendors have a relationship with their regulars, that’s how Will got his place to live, it’s an important relationship and it reinforces support for the vendor."

Sarah Parkhouse, Sales and Outreach Worker for The Big Issue in Exeter, said: “The sell-off experience was a great opportunity to show Ben, on a small scale, what everyday life selling the magazine on the streets is like for Big Issue vendors.

“The vendors that supported Ben were fantastic ambassadors for The Big Issue, showing him the ropes, providing sales tips as well as sharing their experiences of homelessness and poverty.”

The Big Issue, the magazine sold by vendors to lift themselves out of poverty, is available to buy from now across the UK for £2.50.