Local Community Groups Named 'Changemakers'

- The Big Issue's "Changemakers" list is compiled based on nominations from the public, who are invited to highlight grassroots individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities. - For the first time in 2026, a select group of those named Changemakers will be given the opportunity to receive advice and practical support from business leaders at Wates, The Big Issue's official partner for the program, to help them scale their work. - North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL) was founded in 2017 to support fathers aged 25 and under. A 2024 annual report highlighted its impact, with 82% of participants reporting they felt closer to their children after receiving support from the charity. - NEYDL's "Birds, Bees, Bikes & Trees" initiative includes beekeeping on the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art's rooftop and a long-distance cycling project to test water quality in the River Tyne. - Sunderland-based Keep Active CIC has been running for over 15 years and has impacted thousands of children, young people, and adults through its health and wellbeing programs. - Keep Active CIC is financed in part by Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of The Big Issue, which provides funding to mission-driven organizations throughout the UK. - The list of Changemakers features a wide array of initiatives, including in 2024, the UK's first clothing brand designed and produced by young ex-offenders and a campaign that led to a formal government apology for the historic ban on LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. - In a previous year, another North East organization, Blue Spirit Sailing, was included on the list for its work providing sailing experiences for young people facing mental health challenges.