Big Issue Group partners with Specsavers to help vendors access vital healthcare

Today (Monday 7th November), Big Issue Group (BIG) and Specsavers have announced a major new partnership which will see the company offer all Big Issue vendors free access to eyecare, as well as becoming the sole sponsor of the iconic red tabards.

As part of this partnership, all Big Issue vendors will be offered a £64 Specsavers gift voucher, which will give them access to a sight test, an overall eye health ‘OCT’ scan and eyewear. In addition, all vendors will be offered free ear wax removal.

Specsavers’ support of BIG is part of its broader ambition to break down the barriers that people experiencing poverty and homelessness face in receiving healthcare, as for many, a lack of permanent address prevents them from accessing NHS services Alongside its partnership with BIG, the company will be working with homelessness charity Crisis and developing its long-standing partnership with Vision Care for Homeless People.

New glasses would make a huge difference to George. He has a degree in science and before the pandemic hit was editing scientific articles on Biomedicine, but his old glasses have made writing hard.

Russell Blackman, Big Issue Group’s MD, said: “People that are experiencing homelessness often have significant eye care needs and yet face considerable barriers in accessing the care they are entitled to. Our partnership with Specsavers will help to break down those barriers, ensuring our Big Issue vendors can access that essential eye care provision.

“Improving eye care is absolutely essential for skills building, confidence and finding work, so we are delighted to be working with Specsavers on this new initiative that will help to change lives through better sight. As our proud new sponsors of our iconic Big Issue vendor tabards, it brings two highly respected British brands together, working in partnership to support the most marginalised in society.”

Peter Bainbridge, UK managing director of Specsavers’ optical business, said: “By offering Big Issue vendors free eye care and sponsoring their tabards, which give them improved visibility on the streets, we can help to make a difference. We will also be offering them free ear wax removal to help improve their hearing health.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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