The Big Issue Classroom | ACT

The Big Issue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and creating work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage. Simply put, we help people help themselves. We run social enterprises to create work opportunities for people who are unable to access mainstream work. These include The Big Issue magazine, the Women’s Workforce and The Big Issue Classroom, as well as the Community Street Soccer Program.

People come to The Big Issue from a wide range of circumstances, including homelessness, long-term unemployment, intellectual and physical disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency and family breakdown. Our programs provide low-barrier opportunities for people to earn a meaningful income, build their confidence and connect with their community and support networks.

The Big Issue Classroom programs teaches schools about homelessness, disadvantage and social issues in Australia. Our workshops are a completely unique educational experience providing school groups with a real-life insight into homelessness and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night.

Participants hear first-hand from people who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage, helping to break down stereotypes surrounding hardship in our communities, careers, and interactions with others. The workshops also help participants better understand the unique role of social enterprise in addressing some of Australia’s most critical social issues.

Our workshop fees allow The Big Issue to employ people experiencing disadvantage to share their personal stories with participants as guest speakers.