Big Issue Foundation

Zoe Rainey and Ben Stock take part in Stage Swap

As the sun shone on Wednesday 2nd July Zoe Rainey and Ben Stock were relieved that their short experience of selling The Big Issue on the streets of central London would at least be in pleasant weather! They weren’t sure exactly what to expect from the other elements of their time with their vendor mentor, but I think it’s fair to say they were both surprised by how  hard work the job is, the great feeling they got from selling a magazine and the reflections they had on the people who were passing them by.

stage swapAs the sun shone on Wednesday 2nd July Zoe Rainey and Ben Stock were relieved that their short experience of selling The Big Issue on the streets of central London would at least be in pleasant weather! They weren’t sure exactly what to expect from the other elements of their time with their vendor mentor, but I think it’s fair to say they were both surprised by how  hard work the job is, the great feeling they got from selling a magazine and the reflections they had on the people who were passing them by.

Zoe took to twitter to tell her followers what she was up to and why, and Ben posted his pitch on facebook, which secured him three sales from friends!

On the streets for just over 1 hour they sold 9 magazines between them, thanks to their positivity and to the support shown to them by their vendor mentors Roel and Gary.

Reflecting on his experience Ben said “Selling The Big Issue was an enlightening and humbling experience. I’d never really thought that hard about the realities for the vendors. I’d encourage others to sign up for this unique experience.”. For Zoe it was particularly eye-opening “Stage Swap taught me so much about The Big Issue Foundation which destroyed any misconceptions I had inherited from others.  The Big Issue vendors inspired me as they are people who are taking their current situation into their own hands and making a future for themselves with the support and encouragement of the Foundation”

Their time on the streets was part of Stage Swap and there will be another event for actors and performers in late September. To register your interest in taking part please complete the form.

stage swap in london

Photos by Andy Commons – www.andycommonsimages.com

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
James and Bob sign magazine to raise funds for The Big Issue Foundation
Big Issue Foundation

James and Bob sign magazine to raise funds for The Big Issue Foundation

Mark’s new business
Big Issue Foundation

Mark’s new business

Big Issue Vendor Ralph reunited with lost dog Jess
Big Issue Foundation

Big Issue Vendor Ralph reunited with lost dog Jess

Big Issue vendor Ralph searches for missing dog
Big Issue Foundation

Big Issue vendor Ralph searches for missing dog

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

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

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue