VINCENT’S STORY

by Catherine Smith (Oxford)

Vincent’s from Reading originally; came to Oxford five years ago, to change his life. He’s been selling the Issue since April last year; usually in Broad Street. He’s sold before, he knows the city well. Today he’s opposite Christ Church. It’s cold.

The past was hard. Things weren’t good at home; his dad did some bad, angry stuff; he doesn’t see his family now. He used to do brick-laying, warehouse work, packing. He was a gateman for a school outside Oxford; he really liked that.

He has good days and bad days but this is the best city he’s ever lived in, for sure. He’s in the Hannan shelter; it’s good. Whatever you want in your life, they help you sort it out. A teacher comes in every Thursday. It’s a good place for education.

In the future he’ll have qualifications, a well-paid job and his own council flat; you need to be earning good wages here - the rents are high. But he wants to stay, to make a good life here. He won’t always be out in the cold.

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What Catherine Smith says about VINCENT’S STORY:

Inspired by a conversation with Big Issue Seller Vincent, opposite Christ Church college.