How we’re supporting The Big Issue this Christmas

Our recent partnership with The Big Issue means we’re providing 250 refurbished phones to help vendors take contactless payments and save buyers from standing out in the cold this Christmas.

Being able to offer connectivity to Big Issue vendors to positively impact their lives feels intrinsically linked to our brand mission of being up to good. We know the Big Issue is also a B Corp and shares the commitment to better business, so it felt like a great partnership opportunity.

But why is the Big Issue important to us? Here’s what we’re up to and how you can help support the cause.

“Accessibility, great value, flexibility and a sense of our place in community are all the sorts of things that chime with giffgaff and Big Issue,” giffgaff CEO Ash Schofield says. “The Big Issue is doing a wonderful thing, and it’s also a really good read.”

What is The Big Issue?

The Big Issue is a weekly street magazine covering everything from news and advice, to exclusive features and interviews with the likes of Ncuti Gatwa, the new Doctor Who, and pop sensation Hozier.

They also cover more serious topics, such as the effects homelessness has on people, equal rights movements and how their readers can support different charities.

The Big Issue also covers topics such as King Charles III and his Coronation Food Project, which works to redirect surplus food to those who are most in need of it. The exclusive portrait of the King on the cover of the magazine also helped to boost sales.

What does the Big Issue do?

The Big Issue is so much more than just a magazine. The Big Issue Group has other initiatives, such as their e-bike rental scheme and Big Issue Invest, which works to support social businesses and charities to help deliver positive social, financial and environmental impact across the UK.

The Big Issue gives people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable people, the opportunity to earn an income and access other supportive networks.

Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue for £2 each. They sell them on for £4 and keep the difference. This helps them earn an income, while also gaining valuable social, business and financial skills that could serve them well in the future.

And that’s not all! As soon as someone signs up to sell the Big Issue, they also gain access to six Hand Up pathways, helping them secure the basics they need to get back on their feet. These pathways include:

• Housing: access to and maintenance of secure, affordable, and stable accommodation Wellbeing: access to adequate food, weather-appropriate clothing, home energy, toiletries and other essentials
• Health: access to the right care and treatment for physical and mental health needs, including addiction support needs, and access to resources to sustain health
• Money: support with budgeting, saving and connection to debt support, financial advice and benefits services
• Digital: access and capability to use the internet to reach essential services, cost-efficient products and to undertake financial transactions
• Citizenship: access to enablers for active citizenship including gaining official ID, developing language skills and establishing social networks

In 2022, The Big Issue worked with 10% more vendors than the previous year with vendors collectively earning £3.76million in income.

How is giffgaff helping out?

We’re proud that giffgaff is the first mobile network partner to provide phones to the Big Issue.

Pre-Christmas is a busy time for Big Issue Group, with an influx of vendors signing up to sell the magazine and sales increasing dramatically as well. The Group want sales to be as quick and easy as possible, so customers and vendors aren’t left standing in the cold for long.

That’s where giffgaff step in. We’re providing 250 refurbished phones to new vendors. All the phones are equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing vendors to take contactless payments on their device.

“We’ve all been in situations where people have been trying to sell us the Big Issue and there’s an awkward moment when you realise you haven’t got any cash, because a lot of us don’t carry it anymore,” says giffgaff CEO Ash Schofield.

There were approximately 17 billion contactless payments made in the UK in 2022, and 87% of people use contactless technology at least once a month. In fact, it was revealed earlier this year that 74% of people in the UK use cash occasionally or rarely.

Big Issue vendor, Marsilia Cimpeanu says, “I’ve seen a big difference in my sales. A lot of people don’t have cash on them as much as they used to. It’s more convenient and secure. I can ask customers if they want a receipt via email, and when you tell them that, you give them a sense of security. I think it’s useful for vendors and for customers.”

Providing 250 refurbished phones to new Big Issue vendors also helps fight digital exclusion. 55% of vendors don’t have a mobile phone until they’re supplied one by Big Issue Group.

“Having the phone also helps with getting to your pitch, seeing when the buses come, making sure you’re getting there on time,” Cimpeanu says. “I can FaceTime and use WhatsApp, so I can keep connections and have people around to support me.”

Cashless sales add, on average, £520 of additional earnings for vendors, so providing giffgaff refurbished phones to new vendors can really make a difference.

How can you help out?

Very simply, buy The Big Issue! You can use the Big Issue website to find your local vendor. Every purchase makes a difference, especially around the holidays. And don’t forget to carry cash in case your local vendor is unable to accept cashless payments.

You can also help to keep The Big Issue vendors stay warm this Christmas by buying a Winter Support Kit.