Insight/Case study - beneficiaries

Roy Campbell

I became homeless after my mother died. I had been looking after her but when she passed away the council house in her name went with her and I was left on my own.

I have been a rough sleeper for much of the last thirteen years and I’ve sold The Big Issue on and off throughout this time, moving around the country. I have sold the magazine in Southampton, Preston, Blackpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Coventry, Bristol, Nottingham, Worcester and Cambridge.

Over the last thirteen months I have been settled in Cambridge where I have friends and a regular level of magazine sales.

I have battled with heroin addiction for twelve years and have recently completed a methadone script reduction and now, I am very pleased to say, I am clean.

Roy has The Big Issue Foundation in the last few months to pursue a new life in Israel where his Aunt lives. He has accommodation waiting and work lined up for him there; this really is a new life.

With permission.

Read more inspiring case studies of people who have benefited from working with social enterprises working to prevent or tackle homelessness.