Making plans for Nigel (From Bournemouth Echo)

Making plans for Nigel

7:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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A BOURNEMOUTH Big Issue seller has faced abuse from the public and was even asked if he “wanted to be the next to die,” after the recent death of Westbourne Big Issue seller Ralph Millward.

But Nigel, 21, believes the incident was an exception to the rule and says the majority of people have been very supportive to him and the homeless community in general.

“You do get teenagers shouting ‘big tissue’ and someone asked me if I wanted to be the next to die,” says Nigel, who began selling the magazine in Bournemouth in October 2008, having been homeless for a year.

“I’d probably still be sleeping rough, if it wasn’t for The Big Issue.”

The Daily Echo took to the streets and found one woman that worked for the Met Police and ended up on the streets

To watch her interview, see the Related Link at the bottom of this story

Since last month, official sellers of the magazine in Bournemouth have been decked out in eye-catching red and yellow fluorescent jackets. The bold clothing is aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour from people who sell the magazine without consent.

As well as the jackets, legitimate sellers will display an ID badge, unique number and the telephone number of the Bournemouth Big Issue branch.

“Those who have been selling the magazine without consent and engaging in anti-social behaviour have tarnished the reputation of official sellers,” says Sam Allen, manager of the Big Issue’s Bournemouth branch. “I’m hopeful this new scheme in Bournemouth will go some way to repairing the damage.”

Each official seller will have to pay a £15 refundable deposit for their jacket and sign up to a strict code of conduct, without which they will not be allowed to sell any copies of the Big Issue.

However, production of the jackets is proving expensive and a folk music concert has been planned to help raise funds tomorrow night at the Bourne Spring Centre, Springbourne.

The proceeds will be going to the Big Issue Vendors Support Fund, which is for emergency money for travel and clothing that the vendors may need. Some of the money will also be used to acquire new jackets.

“The new jacket makes you feel official and makes it clear you’re a bona fide seller. As unfortunately some people selling the Big Issue are boozing,” says Nigel.

Nigels homeless story began when his father was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and needed to move into care. Unable to pay the mortgage, the family home in Oxford was repossessed and Nigel had nowhere to live. He was forced to spend several winter months in a tent and squats, during which time he was able to save money by selling the magazine.

After raising enough money Nigel contacted a private landlord who asked for references, which the Big Issue staff supplied.

Now living in safe and secure accommodation with on-going support from Big Issue staff, it is easy to forget Nigel is still only 21.

The Big Issue was also able to help towards new household goods from a Vendor Support Fund monitored by the Big Issue Foundation.

Nigel completed a business course before he was made homeless and now plans to return to education.

“I’m starting an apprenticeship as an electrician at Poole College. The course is for three to four years and I can’t wait to get started.”

• The Bourne Spring Folk Club Charity Concert in aid of the Big Issue will take place tomorrow night from 7.15pm at the Bourne Spring Centre.

For more information please contact Anna Moreton on 01202 430959.