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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
A mother felt ‘stripped of humanity’ when her baby was taken away. There was ‘no support’ from public services
Inequality

A mother felt ‘stripped of humanity’ when her baby was taken away. There was ‘no support’ from public services

‘I’m an amputee and the DWP reduced my disability benefits. I worried I would be homeless’
Disability benefits

‘I’m an amputee and the DWP reduced my disability benefits. I worried I would be homeless’

Women in North East of England nearly twice as likely to die early from suicide, addiction or domestic homicide
Health inequalities

Women in North East of England nearly twice as likely to die early from suicide, addiction or domestic homicide

‘The DWP took away my disability benefits. I’ve had so many tribunal dates I’ve lost count’
Disability benefits

‘The DWP took away my disability benefits. I’ve had so many tribunal dates I’ve lost count’

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

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

90,000 people sign open letter to Rishi Sunak demanding free school meals for all
Week of action

90,000 people sign open letter to Rishi Sunak demanding free school meals for all

Free school meals for all would generate billions for the economy. Here’s why
Week of action

Free school meals for all would generate billions for the economy. Here’s why

These countries offer free school meals for all – so why can’t the UK?
Week of action

These countries offer free school meals for all – so why can’t the UK?

Just 5% of people with a learning disability are employed. This woman is out to prove the world wrong
Learning disability week

Just 5% of people with a learning disability are employed. This woman is out to prove the world wrong

People in poverty are at greater risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Charities are calling for action
Cost of living crisis

People in poverty are at greater risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Charities are calling for action

‘I left to save my family’: Ukrainian refugee finds hope in the UK with help from C&C Group and Big Issue Recruit
Big Issue Recruit

‘I left to save my family’: Ukrainian refugee finds hope in the UK with help from C&C Group and Big Issue Recruit

This Strictly Come Dancing super-fan has big dreams and wants to bust myths about Down’s syndrome
Learning Disability Week

This Strictly Come Dancing super-fan has big dreams and wants to bust myths about Down’s syndrome