The Big Issue, famed for its magazine with the hand up not a hand out ideal, have launched an online shop selling products with a ‘social echo’. It showcases a selection of brands that are produced by social enterprises and those that use trade to help people improve their lives.
Every item available through The Big Issue Shop is made by a company that does something good, plus every purchase also helps The Big Issue fund their work with people living on the margins in society.
Below are some of the awesome products you can buy via The Big Issue Shop:
Silver Hammered Flower Pendant, by Studio 306
Studio 306 Collective offers a creative space to people who are recovering from mental illness. They are a not-for-profit organisation, so every penny made from selling their products goes straight back into the Collective. All these items are handmade in their Studio situated in Haringey, North London.
Handmade Leather Purse, by Damsel & Daughter
These purses have been up-cycled from leather and vegan leather off cuts. Made in Hackney, the proceeds go towards providing feminine care kits to disadvantaged women in Hackney. These are distributed at local night shelters: The Manna Society and the Hackney Migrant Centre.
Dogs Rhubarb and Ginger Candle, by ARTHOUSE Meath
ARTHOUSE Meath presents the skills and talents of men and women living with complex epilepsy, learning and physical difficulties. Over 70 artists work alongside instructors who enable groups or individuals to create artworks which are developed into designer products for sale. All work derives from the skills each artist brings to the enterprise and every contribution holds true value.
Drop Earrings Not Bombs, by WE ARE ONE COLLECTIVE
100% of the proceeds from the Drop Earrings Not Bombs project goes back into Small Projects Istanbul, a community space and program which provides the refugee community with access to supplemental education and programs that assist students and families from Syria succeed in Turkey and beyond, paving the way for better futures.
Active Aftershave Gift Set, by CLARITY
CLARITY employs people with a variety of disabilities both mental and physical. Support blind and disabled employment today by simply substituting your everyday toiletry products for CLARITY products!
The Moments Journal, by Good News Shared
The Moments Journal is a simple, effective tool to help you notice and appreciate the good times from your day, giving you a positivity boost at the end of each day. All proceeds go to Good News Shared, helping us highlight more uplifting charitable stories from around the world.
When you shop with a social echo you’re putting good back out there into the world with every single penny you spend.
“The Big Issue Shop is a very special shop because what we sell helps. It helps you because it’s something that you want to buy. It helps us because it gives us income for our work. And it helps the people who make the stuff that we sell to you!It’s a virtuous circle. Winners all around. And it’s all social trading,” said John Bird, Big Issue Founder.
Click here to see all the products available at the Big Issue Shop.
