Only the lonely

Feeling lonely and isolated is a common occurrence for our vendors.

Often assumed to be an experience most common amongst the elderly – and more than half a million older people do go up to a week without seeing anyone – recent research shows that as many as one in 10 young adults and millennials are also prone to regular feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

Anglia, 22, is one of our younger vendors. Based in Chester, part of what Anglia loves about selling the magazine is the chance to meet people: “I thank everyone for helping me and being nice to me because sometimes I used to feel very lonely, but when they talk to me, I feel better.” 

Recent research found that the number of adults feeling lonely was almost 10% higher in lower-income households compared to higher-income groups.

Monica, who sells the magazine in Ainsdale, sympathises. She is apart from a lot of her family as she works to earn an income: “When [my grandmother] died I felt very, very alone,” she describes. “I wasn’t able to go and see her because of Covid… My brother lives in France because he has work over there. I need to stay here in Liverpool because my children are in school and I don’t want to move them, and I have my job here. But it can feel lonely here sometimes.” 

Mental health charity Mind explains that loneliness is very much “a personal feeling,” meaning that everyone experiences it differently. Loneliness is ultimately about what we get from our social interactions – whether we feel connected, rewarded, and understood. As Anglia describes, a simple conversation can be a lifeline for someone who feels alone and unseen. It is a basic human need to belong and to form relationships.  

When loneliness is explained in this way, it is easy to understand how it can be detrimental to someone’s wellbeing. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, the impact of poor social relationships on mortality is comparable to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day and consuming alcohol. Lonely individuals are at higher risk of hypertension and more prone to depression, cognitive decline, and dementia, along with poor sleep patterns.  

The biggest threat of loneliness is that it does not discriminate; it can impact anyone and for a variety of everyday, unavoidable reasons. However, there are personal, social, and structural characteristics that can increase the risk factors for loneliness.  

Our vendors are often amongst those who could be most affected. Recent NHS research found that the number of adults feeling lonely was almost 10% higher in lower-income households compared to higher-income groups. Similarly, poor mental health, a long-term health condition, addiction issues or disability can be precursors to loneliness.  

Digital exclusion – something regularly experienced by our non-British vendors and our older vendors – can also cause feelings of isolation. Having access to and the skills to use a smartphone or a computer and the internet is a must-have for modern-day socialisation.  

As such, the face-to-face interaction that selling a street paper provides vendors is often key to their wellbeing. In our latest audit, vendors reported that selling the magazine improves their confidence and/or motivation (57%), provides them with a structure to their day (29%), and gives them something to do (41%). Along with the chance to earn an income, selling The Big Issue gives our vendors a vital connection to their community and other people. 

The face-to-face interaction that selling a street paper provides vendors is often key to their wellbeing.

“I’m always happiest when selling the magazine. Talking to my customers makes me happy,” says Joe, a vendor in Prestwich. “Selling the magazine … gets me out and about talking to people. That really cheers me up, even on a grim day when it’s wet and business is slow.”  

So, if you stop to buy the magazine or are just passing by a vendor, remember that even a quick hello or short conversation can make all the difference!