Paul Thompson, Tesco, Bridgend

Image: Natalie Farr

Before I started selling Big Issue I was working doing deliveries to restaurants and wholesale goods. It was quite a lot of physical work involved in it, and it was an awkward job to do. By the time I finished the day shift and got back from the areas we were going to – the Mumbles and places like that – it was getting on for half eight/nine at night. We’d have lunch on the go during the daytime and then I was getting up in the morning ready to go again. It was taking its toll on my body and mind.

I checked with Tesco to see if it was OK to start advertising Big Issue outside their branch and they said: “We’ll give it a go and see where it goes.” I didn’t think it would take off as well as it has done. Since then I’ve built up a rapport with my regular customers. Tesco and their staff have been good too. I was talking to a security guard the other day and he said if I ever have any trouble out the front to let him know and he’ll come and help me out.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

I got the alert message that everyone got in December when there was a red warning in Wales. It was saying to people not to go out. I thought I could stay in and give today a miss because of the red alert or I could just give it a go and see what happens. It was an absolutely brilliant day for sales. I don’t know whether that was because people were panic buying at Tesco because of the alert but it was really busy, even though it was pouring with rain. It works out sometimes. You don’t know if sales are up or down sometimes because they fluctuate from one day to the next.

I’m just grateful for all my customers’ support over the last couple of years – they’ve helped me to achieve the stage I’ve got to at the moment and by helping me they are also helping Big Issue because obviously a percentage goes to them. I’m not just saying it but I don’t think I’ve found any other organisation that’s been as supportive as Big Issue is. It’s helped me so much.

The footfall is so great at Tesco that I’m always meeting new people so the conversations are always changing. I think by wearing the Big Issue jacket it gives people an opportunity to come up and talk to me if they choose to. I always remain silent when I sell – I don’t shout ‘Big Issue’, I do it in a completely different way. I think a lot of people don’t talk these days and I think there’s quite a bit of a breakdown in communication in society.

I’m into sports and stuff and Big Issue got me so many sessions at the local sports centre. I’ve been on the cross trainer and mainly do cardio work. I do a lot of hiking now because it’s important to keep the whole body fit. Big Issue also got me some vouchers for trainers and, because obviously I’m on my feet a lot, the footwear has helped a lot as well.

I’m glad to have a roof over my head and food on the table. Now I try to eat healthy and I didn’t drink over Christmas at all. I think it’s been about six or seven months now since I’ve bothered with alcohol. I think it’s a very toxic substance. 

I think that looking after your health is important. Your body and your mind are very connected. Stronger in body, stronger in mind. At the moment, I’ve got on to raw ginger, making ginger tea most nights. I get ready for the following day, getting organised and just focusing a lot on what I’m eating.

Interview: Liam Geraghty

Tesco Superstore, Brewery Lane, Bridgend, UK