People from Hull feature in special Big Issue created by people with learning disabilities

Two people from Hull have been involved in a special edition of Big Issue on sale today (Monday).

Alastair Smith and Sophie Potter, both from Hull, feature in the latest edition compiled entirely by people with learning disabilities. It was possible thanks to a partnership between Mencap and Big Issue.

The magazine marks this year’s Learning Disability Week - an annual celebration of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. All articles in the issue focus on the real-life experiences and achievements of people with a learning disability.

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Alastair Smith and Sophie Potter are Mencap Myth Busters, a group of people who are living life with a learning disability and are campaigning for change. Alastair has worked with the magazine’s editorial team on a feature around his love of music.

Sophie and her sister Emily are interviewed about their relationship and how Sophie doesn’t let her learning disability get in the way of a night on the town. Both Alastair and Sophie feature amongst more than 15 other contributors.

Medal winning Team GB Paralympian swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate also features in a discussion of the barriers of having a hidden disability while CBeebies’ presenter George Webster has written a letter to his younger self about his learning disability.

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, many of whom face barriers and inequalities in their daily lives. This year’s Learning Disability Week theme, ‘Do you see me?’ is to ensure people with a learning disability are valued in society whether in the doctor’s surgery, at work, in the voting booth, or within their community.

Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes said: "This powerful collaboration with the Big Issue puts people with a learning disability at the heart of every story. We are told that there is a very little representation of people with a learning disability in the media, and we are trying to change that by working alongside one of the UK’s most recognised social enterprises to put their lives at the front and centre of every page.

"This publication of the Big Issue is a stark reminder of the incredible things that can be achieved despite many societal barriers. We hope this issue will inspire people to support our cause and learn more about the amazing people in their community and throughout the UK, who have a learning disability."

Paul McNamee, editor of the Big Issue, said: “People speak frequently about hearing from those who are often marginalised in society. At the Big Issue, we believe in putting in giving them a platform to tell their stories.

"Our collaboration with Mencap is yet another way we’re doing this – breaking new ground by putting this week’s Big Issue in the hands of people with a learning disability. It’s not about paying lip-service, but rather wholeheartedly allowing a platform and offering assistance if needed.

"These fantastic contributors have created an incredible edition of our magazine. We strive constantly to challenge and offer opportunities to those who don’t always have them. This Big Issue is something to be incredibly proud about."

The Big Issue has also redesigned the publication to make it more accessible to people with a learning disability. This will include a slight altered colour scheme, including accessible colour combinations for the greater contrast between text and background, to help readability. Larger-scale fonts have also been used as well as the inclusion of easy-read pullout boxes.

This week’s special edition Big Issue is now on sale. Find your local vendor to buy a copy, or subscribe online, at bigissue.com.