The Big Issue Group, the NonProfit behind the homeless magazine, the Big Issue, has just announced the launch of its very first membership scheme, with the stated aim of bringing together as many people as possible to help take action to fight against poverty.

Everyone is eligible to join as a member (you can join up here if interested) for just £5 per month (free for some based on circumstances), or you can join as a corporate member for £250 a year.

Being a member will grant you access to a digital welcome pack introducing the Big Issue’s work, and the impact that work has in the wider world, as well as what it means to now be a Big issue member.

Membership also comes with access to the quarterly digital newsletter, a digital guide on how to take action in your local community and priority access to Big Issue’s 2025 Poverty zero Summit.

“Poverty in this country is a growing, urgent crisis, destroying our society, affecting more of our neighbours, friends and family every day. The issue is out of control, the government isn’t moving fast enough and we at the Big Issue Group, can’t look away. We know millions of people in the UK are outraged. We want to bring people together who are demanding change through our new membership scheme. Our survey shows people still believe in the power of community, and the Big Issue membership scheme is a way for people to stand together. Through becoming part of our community, we’ll amplify the voices of those who are marginalised in our society and show those in power that we won’t tolerate their inaction.”

Zoe Hayward – CMO, Big Issue Group

This membership scheme is just one aspect to the Big Issue Groups new Big Community initiative, an initiative launched after a recent YouGov poll.

It showed that 69% of UK residents surveyed felt issues could more effectively be addressed and resolved when individuals and large organisations worked together on a country-wide scale.

2,000 people were surveyed earlier this month, with 54% stating they felt the new Government wasn’t doing enough to combat poverty in local areas.

45% of respondents believed their local area had changed for the worse over the last few years , with 42% saying things had stayed ‘around the same’, and just 7% claiming things had gotten better.

The Big Community initiative is also planning a national roadshow, and a call to campaign for new Government legislation, with the ultimate aim of bringing people together to find new and unique solutions to combatting poverty in their local areas.

The first Big Community Roadshow will visit Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with more stops on the agenda soon.

Look out for it in your area or sign up now for more details.