Peter’s Story

Peter came to the U.K in July 2008 from Hungary. He was introduced to the Big Issue by a Hungarian vendor. It was obvious from the start that Peter would face numerous barriers if he was going to settle in England.

Peter landed in the country with not much money, no accommodation, no support network and he didn’t speak the language. Despite the obstacles Peter faced he always seemed driven to make a go of it. 

Peter came in and had an assessment at The Big Issue with Darren, a Big Issue Foundation Service Broker, who identified the need to prioritise accommodation. Darren got him in to a night shelter but because he wasn’t eligible for benefits he knew even this basic accommodation would not be long term. Darren then looked into rooms in the Bristol area and how much it would cost for Peter to get in somewhere.

Darren came up with some prices and an action plan for Peter to save up. He started using the vendor bank on a daily basis to save for magazines and towards a deposit. Peter eventually saved enough money for a deposit and got a room.  He continued to sell the magazine to pay his rent and living expenses.

Peter’s permanent pitch was outside a bakery. He was there every day working hard to sell magazines and the owner of the bakery was so impressed he offered him part-time work. Peter still sold The Big Issue and worked at the Bakery using the vendor bank until with the help of The Big Issue he managed to get his own bank account.

With the support of Darren, Peter then applied for a grant from The Big Issue Vendor Support Fund. Peter wanted a workers registration card so that he could work full time. The card was £90.00, he applied for £72.00 and put in the £18.00 contribution. He received his card and this resulted in the bakery taking him on as a full time employee.

Peter is no longer vending but he occasionally comes in the office if he needs help with forms, which Darren is happy to do. Peter used the Big Issue as a stepping stone to make a life in the U.K and Darren says that is had been a pleasure to work with him.