Big Issue celebrates 26 years of helping homeless with special edition

A special edition of the Big Issue goes on sale on Monday to mark the 26th anniversary of the magazine which helps the homeless.

An exhibition is being held at The Framers Gallery in Fizrovia, London of artwork by Big Issue founder Lord Bird, with some of his collections featured in the magazine.

“It felt natural to mark our just-over-a-quarter-of-a-century celebrations with a special issue that nods towards the good that creativity can do in our world today,” said Lord Bird.

“Art in particular has meant so much to me over the years. It was a saviour in my troubled youth. I would go to drawing classes rather than hanging around with the lads I grew up with who were knee-deep in wrongdoing.

“It inspired me and gave me a lot of confidence.

“The edition looks at how we can all make a difference and leave our social footprint by using our skills to give back to those less lucky than ourselves.”

Lord Bird is taking a Bill through the House of Lords aimed at helping millions of people who rent houses or flats to get fair access to credit.

He said that at the moment the rental payments of the UK’s 11 million renters are not recorded or recognised in the same way mortgage payments are, which means some of the least well-off pay the most to borrow, including repayment contracts for white goods, utilities and mobile phones.

The Bill will oblige credit service providers to take rental payment data and council tax payment data into account.

He told the Press Association he is receiving cross-party support for the Bill which he hopes will become law within 18 months.

Lord Bird added: “If we can help more people get better credit files and scores, we can help more people move further away from poverty.”

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