Moving Off the Street When George Ramsay's recipe book is published, it will probably contain a dedication to The Big Issue of the North. He's researching and writing the book on the computers they made available and taught him to use. And he's publishing his recipes every fortnight in The Big Issue, which he sells on the streets of Manchester. "Selling The Big Issue was the only way I could survive," says George. "I won't stay on the streets - there's no need to do that," he adds defiantly, but it took three months to find a flat. Now he wants to try and cut down on the time given to selling the magazine, so that he can write the book, look for a publisher, get a job, and rebuild his life. That's what The Big Issue wants for him, too. The Big Issue in the north is trying hard to make sure that no one becomes dependent on selling the magazine in the long-term. So this year they are starting a new regime. All their vendors must attend courses designed to get them off the streets and back to work. They will not be allowed to go on selling the magazine for more than two years. 'Some people want to stay in temporary accommodation and sell the magazine for a very long time,' says The Big Issue's Laurence Lennon. 'We want to challenge them to get off the streets and off drugs. So we are bringing in monthly supervisory sessions and quarterly reviews for everyone. A lot of them just want to go on selling the magazine. But that is no good for them.' New vendors will have their basic skills needs assessed, and will then start a three-month Learn to Earn programme. They then move on to a Learn to Live programme, covering such matters as health and housing, and including training in the use of computers. If they don't attend the sessions, they may not be allowed to carry on selling The Big Issue. Learn to Live has to be completed within 18 months of starting to sell the magazine. It's followed by Learn to Work, designed to get vendors back into employment. This programme offers tasters of college and work, and covers such matters as health and safety, food hygiene and customer care. For George, selling The Big Issue is not a way of life forever. It's a step on the road away from homelessness to having a home and job, good health and a good life. NAME: The Big Issue BRIEF: To provide information, advice and services to Big Issue vendors TARGET GROUP: Big Issue vendors in Manchester and Leeds FOCUS: To provide a programme of basic skills and ICT training GRANT: Major MANAGED BY: Basic Skills Agency

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