This festive season, chart-topping singer Sam Fender has joined forces with The Big Issue to focus minds on homelessness and help support vendors.
To raise awareness, Sam is releasing Winter Song, a powerful cover of the classic track by folk rock band Lindisfarne, which calls on people to “spare a thought” for those without a home.
The single was unveiled on Annie Mac’s Radio One show on November 24 and is the programme’s current “Hottest Record in the World”. It is available to buy now, and next week there will also be a special edition of The Big Issue available from Sam Fender’s online store. Proceeds from sales of the magazine will go to vendors.
“It’s close to home for me because I’ve got family members and friends [who’ve been homeless],” said Sam.
“I’ve known people who have gone through it. And I know how easy it is, through their stories, to go from being relatively okay to being on the streets. So, for me, it’s important to be involved for that reason.”
Ahead of the release, Sam met up with his local vendor for a video chat to find out more about how The Big Issue helps people – and the pressures that sellers are currently facing due to coronavirus restrictions.