Advertisement
News

Daniel Mays: Impact of Covid on Big Issue vendors inspired me to help

The Line of Duty star has become a Big Issue ambassador and is urging the public to support vulnerable vendors who can no longer sell the magazine during lockdown

Actor Daniel Mays has said the “devastating” impact of the coronavirus pandemic inspired him to become a Brand Ambassador for the Big Issue.

Mays told The Big Issue that it was a “complete no-brainer” to highlight and support the vendors who are currently unable to sell the magazine on their pitches as the country battles the biggest health emergency in a generation. 

“The Big Issue stands for supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the country. And when you place that vital work in the context of the second national lockdown, it is compounded tenfold, isn’t it?”

The Line of Duty star raised money for The Big Issue during lockdown, offering himself as a raffle prize and then holding a 90-minute workshop for two aspiring actors.

“Now, as an ambassador, I’m up for being as involved in more of The Big Issue and its work as I possibly can be. Whatever it is, I’m in.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Mays, who won acclaim for his recent performance in the ITV drama Des, said his relentless schedule during lockdown left him “a bit talked out” and the chance to be involved in The Big Issue was a “breath of fresh air”. 

“I said to my wife the other day, I feel so blessed and lucky to be given the opportunity to flip all that on its head and talk about some of the most vulnerable people in our society, as opposed to just talking about myself! It feels like a golden opportunity, with the platform that I’ve got to use that to really good effect.”

He added: “Once vendors are able to get back out on the street, come rain or shine, they will do so. So we need to support The Big Issue and its vendors now and drive that message home.” 

Read more from Daniel Mays on his pride at working with fellow ambassadors in this week’s Big Issue, available through our online shop and from your local vendor now

Big Issue vendors need your help now more than ever. More than 1,000 vendors are out of work because of the second lockdown in England. They can’t sell the magazine and they can’t rely on the income they need.

The Big Issue is helping our vendors with supermarket vouchers and gift payments but we need your help to do that.

Pleasebuy this week’s magazine from the online shop ortake out a subscription to make sure we can continue to support our vendors over this difficult period. You can even link your subscription to your local vendor withour new online map.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

Read All
Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town
homeless peoples' tents in street
Homelessness

Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support
disabled person working
Disability rights

Disabled people losing jobs and 'falling out of work' due to months-long waits for DWP support

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'
Homeless families at a protest about council housing
Homelessness

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say
woman in supermarket
Cost of living crisis

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say

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