Resolutions can be solutions

For lots of us, setting New Year resolutions is a source of motivation and incentive for self-improvement. 

Be it progressing in our chosen career, earning a bit more money, buying a new car, or looking for somewhere to go on holiday, these goals can help us to move forward. 

“My New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking,” says Joe, who sells the magazine in Prestwich. “I’ve been smoking since I was about sixteen. I started because my dad was giving me a hard time and I just did it. My friends smoked. I was hanging about with the wrong people back then. I’ve tried to give up before and used e-cigarettes and patches, but they never worked. This time, I plan to just stop on the 1st of January and see how it goes from there.” 

Having goals and aspirations can be particularly important to people like our vendors. Health providers and researchers have established links between setting goals and subjective wellbeing; having an attainable resolution can be a trigger for new, healthier behaviours while making progress on said goals can increase confidence and drive. 

“Starting to sell Big Issue North was … one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love it!” – Joe, Prestwich

We know first-hand how supporting someone to feel better about themselves can impact the rest of their life. In our most recent vendor audit, 57% of vendors said that selling the magazine directly improved their confidence and motivation. By providing a structure to their day, offering social interaction, and giving them something to do, vendors stated that they found selling the magazine had a positive impact on their mental health. 

Joe relates to this. He has struggled with his mental health for a long time and credits his work as a vendor with helping: “Starting to sell Big Issue North was … one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love it! 

“I suffer from bad depression. I’ve been up and down a bit again this year… I had a rough time as a child, and I have a lot of bad memories. But a lot of my depression started when my girlfriend died. And I had seven sisters and one brother once upon a time and now I only have three sisters left. And my mum and dad have both died too. So that all gets me down a lot.” 

“I take medication for it from the doctor, and that helps… Selling the magazine also helps because that 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.” 

At Big Issue North, we provide opportunities beyond earning an income. Every day, vendors come into our regional offices to buy magazines to sell and to speak with our office staff. They are available to offer help with anything: developing skills; accessing English language courses; getting housing or health advice; financial guidance; or family assistance.  

With your support, we work to give people the chance to break out of challenging, damaging cycles, often against tough odds. Some changes are incredibly hard for our vendors to make, especially if they involve breaking long-term habits or addictive behaviours or overcoming trauma and abuse. When our vendors can achieve their goals and aspirations, it’s truly a reflection of how hard they have worked to support themselves to build brighter futures. 

Every time you stop to buy a magazine, you are helping our vendors build the lives they want – showing them that others are supporting them and championing their success. 

Our goal for 2024, and beyond, is to continue to help those who need it. In the most practical sense, becoming a vendor gives people with limited other means the opportunity to earn an income. It’s a chance to improve their esteem, their confidence and their wellbeing.

Every time you stop to buy a magazine or contribute to the Big Issue North Trust, you are helping our vendors build the lives they want, showing them that others are supporting them and championing their success.