The Big Issue North has published its final edition, exactly 30 years after it launched as an entity seperate from the main, national edition of the magazine, which will be sold by vendors across the North from next week.
The final issue of the mag promises “a timeline of our 30 years in print, the strain on social services, Danielle Moore and Jim Baron on Crazy P, sign-offs from our team, and much more!”
In the final issue of #BigIssueNorth: a timeline of our 30 years in print, the strain on social services, Danielle Moore and Jim Baron on Crazy P, sign-offs from our team, and much more!
Available from your local vendor or online: https://t.co/lvjY3TtwoS pic.twitter.com/jUUoUBlGbY
— Big Issue North (@bigissuenorth) May 8, 2023
The closure of the Northern editon of the mag, which provides gainful employment and a source of income for homeless sellers, was announced last month when Fay Selvan, CEO of Big Issue North, said: “We could not be prouder of the impact that the magazine has had, both in giving marginalised people a chance to work their way out of poverty, and in the stories we have told from our communities.
“We have explored a number of alternatives, but ultimately, ceasing production and offering the national Big Issue magazine to vendors in the North is the route that gives the best possible opportunity for the most people to earn an income and change their lives.
“We will continue to support vendors and to raise income through our charity, Big Issue North Trust, to do more than ever to give people the opportunity to earn an income and change their lives.
“This decision is incredibly hard. We don’t take it lightly, but we believe that this is the best possible route to take to ensure that for many years to come, marginalised people in the North facing poverty or homelessness are supported to earn an income, gain support in all areas of their lives, and work towards a more hopeful future.”
Editor Kevin Gopal added: “This is a sad moment for independent northern-based publishing and a sign of the difficult commercial outlook for much of the media industry. But I’m grateful for a great 16-year spell – thanks to readers, sources and contacts, a brilliant band of freelance contributors and especially the wonderful editorial team here.
“Hopefully we’ve done good journalism and helped vendors. I’m pleased the vendors will continue to get the support they sorely need.”
