Big Issue founder John Bird said last week his charity was the first in London to give vulnerable people “the opportunity of making money”. Reporter Kieran Davey took to the streets of Oxford to find out what it takes to sell the magazine

I’m not really a shouter, but in the hustle and bustle of Oxford’s city centre it’s the only way to get heard.

If magazines were my props, for one lunchtime Queen Street was my stage as I tried desperately to convince people to read features on horsemeat and Richard Gere.

Being a volunteer is no easy task, but with 15 minutes gone of my shift and no copies sold, my chances of success were looking slim.

Luckily for me, service broker Hannah Smith was on hand to give me some pointers.

Some of the tips were obvious: smile for a start, and make yourself look as approachable as possible.

Being loud definitely helps, especially when you have to compete for attention with Queen Street’s buskers.

But there were less obvious hints, like making sure your ID badge is on display to reassure customers.

Despite a slow start, I sold four copies of the latest issue during my hour-long shift – way beyond my own expectations.

But this work is carried out on a daily basis by some of the city’s most vulnerable people, and for many it is a vital form of income.

Before my shift Mrs Smith, who has worked for the charity since 2011, gave me some advice on what to expect.

She said: “It’s important to be clean and tidy, and you must ensure people can walk in front of you and see what you’re selling.

“We have about four temporary spots, usually in the city centre, where people can get help but after that it’s on a first come, first served basis.”

On the misconceptions of passersby she added: “Some people think vendors will just buy drugs if you buy the magazine.

“Obviously we have a strict rule that no drugs or alcohol should be taken during work, and we help them to manage their money and get them the support they need.”

Potential sellers have to go through sales training modules when they start, before being unleashed on to the streets.

The company itself is split into two parts, with the registered company producing the weekly magazine and the foundation charity helping to support those in need.

Aside from selling, vendors receive regular review sessions with staff to assess their needs.

This can be as simple as helping to set up a bank account, find accommodation and sign up with their local doctor.

For the work itself, vendors will come in to the Issue’s Jeune Street office at the start of each day, register on to a ‘pitch’ or spot in Oxford to cover, and buy copies of the magazine.

It is big business as well – there are 40 vendors currently working in Oxfordshire and last week about 1,300 copies were sold across the county.

Copies are bought from the company for £1.25, with vendors keeping the £2.50 they raise from selling each issue.

Training and reviews reflect the charity’s “A hand-up, not a hand out” motto.

Mrs Smith said: “We are about long term solutions.

“It is all about working out their needs. We measure each person on how much they acknowledge their problem and what are they doing to fix it.

“The sellers are in charge of the review. We can only give them points of referral, and we work hard to get them in touch with the appropriate services.”