Peckham Poet Wins Big Issue Foundation Award

An L&Q resident has been honoured at the third annual Big Issue Foundation Real Lives, Real Achievements awards ceremony. Richard Lewis received an award in recognition of his work as a Big Issue vendor and the brave steps he has taken in his journey away from homelessness.

Richard left Swansea at the age of 15 following the death of his father. Richard began drinking heavily and fell in with the wrong crowd, spending the next 22 years of his life drifting in and out of homelessness. Now, having turned his life around, Richard is happily living in secure L&Q accommodation in Peckham.

He has had a long association with the Big Issue and continues to volunteer today, acting as a vendor co-ordinator. His long-term goal is to become an outreach worker for the charity.

Richard said, “The Big Issue has always been there when I needed it. Instead of begging in a doorway, there’s always been an opportunity to earn and be more respectable. Now I have a secure roof over my head I am very optimistic about my future”.

A keen writer, Richard has produced a book of poetry, Poems of a Welshman, about his time living on the streets. He presented a copy of the book to Prince Charles when the two met at 10th anniversary of the Business Act on Homelessness event in February. Shortly after, Richard received a hand-written letter from Prince Charles, offering his thanks for the gift.

During his time campaigning with the Big Issue, Richard has met many public figures, including in the past twelve months, Prime Minister David Cameron and star of BBC’S Dragons Den, James Caan.

Anthony North, Big Issue Foundation Director of Voluntary Income, said: “The awards demonstrate the amazing work and commitment of our vendors, and of our corporate partners who provide practical work experience, training, mentoring and the opportunity to develop the skills which enable vendors to move on in their lives.”

Tom Bremner, L&Q Neighbourhood Services Director for the South East said, “Richard is a fantastic example of someone who has turned his life around with the support of organisations like the Big Issue, and his is a brilliant achievement. We are committed to supporting local communities and Richard is a great role model for both our residents and their neighbours alike.”