BIG ISSUE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS LIGHT UP THE NORTH-EAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 30, 2011 -- Twenty years since the first edition challenged reader perceptions on homelessness nationwide, Big Issue vendors and readers in the North-East are not only celebrating a historic birthday milestone but also heralding a more sustained presence in the region.

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BIG ISSUE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS LIGHT UP THE NORTH-EAST

Welcome visit Our WebSite:

http://www.highlightspr.co.uk

Mark Shipperlee has been newly appointed as Regional Distribution Manager and will be working with over 70 vendors across a region spanning Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Carlisle and Berwick. With a wealth of international experience in working with vulnerable groups and street-papers, Mark is looking forward to a fresh challenge that will put his expertise to good use.

“As well as being a good read, buying the Big Issue is a good deed giving others an opportunity to make something of their lives,” said Mark.” Our vendors are not beggars – so if you buy the magazine, do take it. I will be looking critically at the way we distribute the magazine and examining new strategies to target prime sales pitches in all of our major towns and cities. This is more than a job to me and the other members of my team; it’s a passion.”

The Big Issue magazine was founded in 1991 by John Bird and Gordon Roddick and has been described as one of the most successful street newspapers in the world with sales of more than 125,000 copies a week. Homeless and vulnerably housed Big Issue vendors buy magazines for £1 and sell them to the public for £2, making a £1 profit in the process.

The Big Issue’s founder, John Bird MBE expressed his support for the renewed focus in the North-east region. “With today’s climate of unemployment and cutbacks, the Big Issue is more relevant now than ever before with many people looking to the magazine both for leadership journalism and the chance to really change their lives.”

The Big Issue in the North East is currently looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can contact Mark.Shipperlee@bigissue.com
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Photo shows 20 years on L to R Regional Distribution Manager Mark Shipperlee, Big Issue Vendor Larry Panait and Regional Director Peter Bird

See Editors notes below:
The Big Issue exists to offer homeless and vulnerably housed people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine to the general public. www.bigissue.com/

· All Big Issue vendors must adhere to a strict code of conduct, wear photographic ID badges and a personalised vendor number.

· Vendors are not employed by The Big Issue, and are not reimbursed for unsold magazines, hence each individual must manage their sales and finances carefully. These skills, along with the confidence and self-esteem they build through selling the magazine, are crucial in helping homeless people reintegrate into mainstream society.

More information from Keith Newman 07814 397951

More information can be found online at http://www.highlightspr.co.uk

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