A Sheffield Big Issue vendor is appealing for more people to buy the magazine after the cost-of-living crisis caused sales to fall.
Mohammed, 57, has sold the Big Issue in Crosspool for 14 years despite having diabetes and arthritis, which causes crippling pain in his leg when he stands. Before moving to his current pitch, Mohammed sold the Big Issue in Scunthorpe, Barnsley, and Sheffield city centre.
“For the first six months, I didn’t sell a single copy of the magazine,” he said. “The Big Issue told me not to give up. After six months, everybody slowly became my friends.”
The Big Issue North supports around 350 vendors in towns and cities across the north of England. The magazine is sold by people who may be unable to access mainstream employment for a variety of reasons, including mental and physical health barriers.
Cost of living hits sales
The cost-of-living crisis has affected sales of the magazine, making it harder for vendors like Mohammed to earn a steady income.
“When I first started, the magazine was 50p and I would sell 300 magazines a week in Barnsley. Now, I push myself to sell 50 or 60 a week.”
He admitted sales had been down in recent years because of rising prices. He understands it is difficult for people to afford the magazine when they already struggle to afford basics like bread and milk.
In the future, he is keen to set up his own restaurant and help homeless people by sharing his love for cooking.
“When my dad passed away in Pakistan, I was so poor. My mum cooked for me, foods like chickpeas and rice. I love to cook, and before selling the Big Issue, I was a chef.”
Selling the Big Issue is a job, not begging
Mohammed has family in Sheffield, but they look down on him for selling the Big Issue instead of working a traditional job. “They tell me I am begging, but I am not, this is my job. I buy the magazine, and I sell it,” he said.
“Whatever happens in my life, I will always stand up on my own two feet. I don’t give up on myself.”
Through his 14 years working in Crosspool, he has built a strong community of regular customers who stop and chat with him.
“The first thing in my life is community. Be kind to people, and they will be kind back to you. The people of Crosspool are like family to me. The main thing in life is being happy. I have worked so hard for that. That’s how I get a smile on my face.”
The Big Issue can only exist by people buying the magazine from local vendors.
For more information, including supporting the Big Issue North or to find a vendor near you, visit the Big Issue website.
