David is a familiar face in St Neots – he has been selling The Big Issue there for the last four years. 

Like any other family man, he works for a sense of purpose and because he has children to support.  

And he is grateful the community is so warm and welcoming towards him.  

David said: “I started [selling the Big Issue] because I don’t have work and I have my children and I need to support them.  

"[It means] I have something to do. I am happy with this area, [they are] very nice people here.  

“[They talk] to you, help you, they buy for you food, coffee, nice area, nice people, very nice people...” 

David was speaking to Jenny Jefferies, from Black Cat Radio, as part of the campaign ‘There With You This Winter’.  

This publication has joined forces with the station to support our communities through the tough winter months ahead.  

David works Wednesdays to Saturdays.  

Some days are busier than others when it comes to demand for The Big Issue, but he’s happy if he can sell between 15 and 20 copies.  

He said: “The Big Issue [has given me] power to work... I think about my children... 

“So I’m trying to find a good job to work, to have a nice life, to look after my children because that is most important to be with your family... “ 

He is always very grateful to each person who buys a copy from him and has a poignant message to share with his customers. 

“I want to say God bless them,” he said. 

“They are very nice people, they are buying, they speak with me, friendly, I am very happy with them here.  

“I want to say thank you very much for everybody looking after me, buying coffee, help[ing] me, buy my magazine, I’m very happy for them.  

“I want to say to God, God bless them, everyone.” 

 The Big Issue was launched in 1991 and has grown to become one of the country’s most widely-known social businesses. It is now published across four continents.  

The publication exists to offer homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness, the opportunity to earn a legitimate income and support themselves.  

Each vendor buys copies of the magazine for £1.50 each, selling them for £3 and keeping the difference.