A hand up, not a handout

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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue specialising in social justice. She reports on a wide range of issues including poverty and inequality, the benefits system, disability rights, housing, health, immigration, gender equality and much more. Isabella was a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30. She was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
Parents are increasingly turning to food banks to feed their babies in the cost of living crisis
Cost of living crisis

Parents are increasingly turning to food banks to feed their babies in the cost of living crisis

How to get free childcare, tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers to help with Easter holidays costs in 2023
Children

How to get free childcare, tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers to help with Easter holidays costs in 2023

Seed libraries are planting joy in our communities when so much else seems gloomy
Cost of living crisis

Seed libraries are planting joy in our communities when so much else seems gloomy

Seven in 10 children in families on universal credit are not eligible for free school meals
Free school meals

Seven in 10 children in families on universal credit are not eligible for free school meals

Aldi has donated thousands of free breakfasts to food banks and schools across the country
Cost of living crisis

Aldi has donated thousands of free breakfasts to food banks and schools across the country

Young disabled people are shut out from housing and forced to live with their parents
Disability

Young disabled people are shut out from housing and forced to live with their parents

This mega charity shop is changing the way we think about fast fashion
Charity

This mega charity shop is changing the way we think about fast fashion

Disabled people fear ‘cruel sanctions’ as Spring Budget aims to drive people back to work
Spring Budget

Disabled people fear ‘cruel sanctions’ as Spring Budget aims to drive people back to work

John McAvoy was one of Britain’s most wanted criminals. Now he’s an athlete changing the lives of vulnerable young people
Sport

John McAvoy was one of Britain’s most wanted criminals. Now he’s an athlete changing the lives of vulnerable young people

Here is what Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Statement will mean for your bank balance
Cost of living crisis

Here is what Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Statement will mean for your bank balance

This AI-generated cookbook has thousands of recipes to help you use up those reduced items
Cost of living crisis

This AI-generated cookbook has thousands of recipes to help you use up those reduced items

This food bank with a DJ is helping London’s homeless and vulnerable
Cost of living crisis

This food bank with a DJ is helping London’s homeless and vulnerable