The Big Issue is a UK-based street paper that supports the homeless, the vulnerably housed asnd those seeking to escape poverty. Vendors normally buy the magazine for £1.25 and sell to the public for £2.50. We are using Zinio digital editions to create additonal revenue opportunities to fund our street-based and pastoral care services for our vendors. We are a social enterprise company and all revenues go to support the vulnerable communities we serve. Our goal is to move our vendors away from dependency and towards full time employment

the big list. • YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE WEEK

HOW TO REACH YOUR POTENTIAL

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VENDOR

platform. Your views on the big issues GET IN TOUCH

A new shot of hope

IN THE LOOP

VENDOR MAP IS A LOCKDOWN ‘LIFELINE’

Vaccine fears for UK’s homeless

Can you use the Magna Carta to get out of lockdown?

Our big history of haves and have-nots

THIS WEEK JOHN WILL BE

RIDE OUT RECESSION ALLIANCE

WE’RE ON THE VERGE OF A POVERTY PANDEMIC AND I FEEL DUTY BOUND TO DO SOMETHING • George Clarke, architect, tireless housing campaigner and TV national treasure, joins The Big Issue as an ambassador. We’re proud to welcome him. He has a message for the government - work with us to prevent mass unemployment and homelessness

MEET THE AMBASSADORS

THIS IS RORA

Susie Dent

A PUZZLING YEAR INDEED • Many of us have found peace of mind piecing together jigsaws during lockdown. Puzzles guru Samantha Goodburn, from jigsaw giant Gibsons Games, explains how they’ve kept up with demand to save the nation from boredom

THE FUTURE OF JIGSAWS • Charlotte Bird from Ravensburger, the world’s biggest jigsaw manufacturer, explains how they are innovating to keep puzzlers puzzled

THE CUBE IN NUMBERS

RETURN OF THE COVID CRUSADERS • Throughout the first national lockdown we told the stories of people making pandemic life a little brighter. With England shut down and other nations under tight restrictions, we’re back to raise spirits again, starting with Liverpool footballer and Scotland captain Andy Robertson, setting rivalries aside to fight poverty

STREET ART

A quiet place • The sense of numbness in the aftermath of war leaves an impression on Patrick Maxwell

Going it alone • When Edward Carey wrote about the eerie isolation of Pinocchio’s Geppetto he had no idea how prescient his novel would turn out to be

Top 5 books about London

Toughest battle • The story of football legend Jack Charlton’s fight against dementia is a moving one, says Simon Brew

STREAM GEMS

‘AM I A BIG SPENDER AT CHRISTMAS?’ • The world’s most glittering diva Dame Shirley Bassey has released an album at the age of 83. I Owe It All To You is described as the ‘grand finale’ of a near 70-year career. We caught up with the Monaco-based Welsh legend to look back on a life led by music inspired by some of her songs

Playing a blinder • Cillian Murphy’s radio show is a treasure trove of music and trivia, says Robin Ince

Swing state • There’s going to be a jazz lover in the White House again, says Anne Frankenstein . After a year that was distinctly of-key, there are other sweet notes too

ALAN'S QUIZ CORNER • Wise guy? Let The Big Issue's trivia buff test your brainpower

The Big Issue

SIMONE GILL, 41 • We spoke to Simone to find out how she’s going to use the enforced break to work on her fitness, and her plans to keep in touch with her loyal customers

THE BIG ISSUE MANIFESTO