Isabella McRae
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
📤 2093
📥 389
📝 98
Senior reporter at the Big Issue | Get in touch with me at
[email protected]
Great to commission this from
@lucywebster.bsky.social
– an extract from her book The View From Down Here which is out in paperback today.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/disa...
loading . . .
This is how it feels to be a disabled woman desexualised by the world
In her book The View From Down Here, Lucy Webster argues that for disabled women, there is an additional battle to be seen as women at all.
https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/disabled-woman-desexualised-lucy-webster/
21 days ago
0
4
5
Liquid drips through the walls. Black mould creeps around the windows towards my bed. I hear screaming from downstairs. Rodents sneak out of the floorboards. A strange man lets himself into my home unasked. Is this a haunted house or my first London flat? Find out:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
loading . . .
Haunted houses are a classic horror trope – but are they scarier than landlords?
Haunted houses have appeared in Gothic literature and horror films for centuries. We look into how the trope has changed in the modern day.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/haunted-house-horror-home-fear/
27 days ago
0
2
1
Dania, 16, is trapped in Gaza and separated from her mother – who is a UK resident through marriage. Dania has been awarded a scholarship to a British boarding school - renewing hope that they might be reunited. But UK government policy is blocking this
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Teen scholar trapped in Gaza after being blocked from joining her mum in UK
Dania Alafranji and her mother been separated by the war in Gaza and the UK government policy is blocking them from being reunited.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/dania-alafranji-gaza-scholarship-uk-school-home-office/
29 days ago
0
2
1
“Landlords can be worse than poltergeists. I would rather live in a haunted house than with a dodgy landlord.” Meet the people who live in haunted houses – and the ghost hunters who track them down 👻
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
loading . . .
This is what it's really like living in a haunted house
Haunted houses often stay on the market for longer and sell at a cheaper price than other homes, but would you dare tread on a ghost's territory?
https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/haunted-house-britain-prices/
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Greg Barradale
about 1 month ago
Shocking and eye-opening
@bigissue.com
story from
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
Whose lives - and deaths - matter?
www.bigissue.com/life/health/...
loading . . .
People with learning disabilities are dying 20 years early
The latest LeDeR report found that nearly four in 10 deaths of people with a learning disability in 2023 were ‘avoidable’.
https://www.bigissue.com/life/health/learning-disabilities-deaths-leder-mencap/
0
1
1
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Big Issue
about 1 month ago
Hi 👋 It’s
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
, senior reporter at the Big Issue here. This week, we have published a series of articles about abortion rights in the UK 🪧 Abortion is one step closer to decriminalisation in England and Wales, but are rights still at risk?
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Abortion is close to decriminalisation. But how quickly can rights be rolled back?
More than 100 women are believed to have been arrested on suspicion of abortion over the last five years in England and Wales.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/abortion-decriminalisation-womens-rights-uk/
1
14
8
There are pregnancy advice centres across the UK which claim to offer ethical, impartial services. But some are actively misinforming women about abortion. Some women have been left "traumatised". I've been investigating this phenomenon. Read it here ⬇️
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
What is the truth about crisis pregnancy centres in the UK?
Crisis pregnancy centres which have been known to “misinform” women around abortion have become increasingly “professionalised” in the UK.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/abortion-uk-crisis-pregnancy-centres/
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
I've spent a few months working on a series of articles on abortion rights in the UK. The first piece is out today. Abortion is a step closer to decriminalisation in England and Wales, but with the rise of right-wing rhetoric, are rights still at risk?
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Abortion is close to decriminalisation. But how quickly can rights be rolled back?
More than 100 women are believed to have been arrested on suspicion of abortion over the last five years in England and Wales.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/abortion-decriminalisation-womens-rights-uk/
about 2 months ago
0
2
2
In honour of Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl coming out today, I've been speaking to 'showgirls' in Britain about the glamour of their world 💃
www.bigissue.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Is the life of a showgirl as glamorous as Taylor Swift makes it seem?
Ahead of the release of Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, the Big Issue spoke to British 'showgirls' about the glamour of their world.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/music/the-life-of-a-showgirl-taylor-swift-showgirls/
about 2 months ago
1
5
1
I spent a wonderful few hours at this family's home where interior designers were transforming a three-year-old girl's bedroom. The results were pretty incredible and the reaction was even better:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
loading . . .
This 'life-changing' project is transforming the bedrooms of children living in poverty
Children living in poverty in London are having their bedrooms transformed through this project run by The Childhood Trust.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/transforming-spaces-children-poverty-bedrooms/
2 months ago
0
3
0
I adored visiting this school in East London and meeting these kids who made me feel very hopeful about the future! They're on a mission to raise £18,000 for homelessness charities, and they're learning a huge amount in the process.
www.bigissue.com/news/activis...
loading . . .
Meet the primary school children with big ideas to end homelessness
These children are trying to raise £18,000 for homelessness charities, an amount they have calculated would help one person off the streets.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/activism/st-marys-primary-school-london-homelessness/
3 months ago
0
4
1
"I was an asylum seeker, and when I got to university, it changed everything. I have hope for the future" I spoke with students and experts about the potential dangers of the Home Office's plans to crack down on international students claiming asylum
www.bigissue.com/news/interna...
loading . . .
International students could be put in 'danger' by Home Office crackdown on asylum claims
The Home Office has pledged to crack down on the number of students overstaying their visa after graduating
https://www.bigissue.com/news/international-students-home-office-asylum-claims/
3 months ago
0
2
1
A lovely surprise to come back from annual leave to find out a story I did on cuckooing has been shortlisted for best news story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards! Thank you to the Human Trafficking Foundation
www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/antislavery-...
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Gangs are taking over vulnerable people's homes and using them as drug dens
The Big Issue shadowed the police officers trying to tackle cuckooing in Camden and Islington, where they have brought down the numbers.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/cuckooing-criminal-gangs-crime-drugs/
3 months ago
0
2
1
Glasgow City Council confirmed to me it had known this was a dangerous building for years. But costs and the fact the building was listed led to delays. Its collapse in July left residents homeless, their lives uprooted, and feeling lucky that no one was hurt
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
loading . . .
Tenants left homeless with no possessions after unsafe building collapses
Glasgow council declared it a dangerous building, but delays and costs meant it was still standing in July 2025 – until its collapse.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/glasgow-city-council-building-collapse-albert-drive-homeless/
4 months ago
0
1
0
Are you a first time buyer with a Lifetime ISA (LISA) or Help to Buy ISA facing challenges? Are you struggling to find a place to live because the cap on properties hasn't gone up with house prices? I want to hear from you for a piece for the Big Issue!
#journorequest
4 months ago
0
1
0
I interviewed MP
@rachaelmaskell.bsky.social
about her suspension from Labour, her fear's for the party's future and what needs to change to move the country in a positive direction
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
loading . . .
Rachael Maskell: 'If Labour doesn't change, I fear where this country is headed'
Rachael Maskell speaks to the Big Issue about losing the Labour whip, and why she stands by her decision to rebel against the welfare cuts.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/politics/rachael-maskell-suspended-labour-interview/
4 months ago
1
2
0
reposted by
Isabella McRae
The NHSA
4 months ago
Thanks to
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
for the opportunity of a
@bigissue.com
comment piece, authored by
@lakenutrition.bsky.social
and other Nutrition North members - you can read about why it's harder to be healthier in the North at
www.bigissue.com/opinion/heal...
loading . . .
It's harder to be healthy if you live in the North of England
Professor Amelia Lake, dietitian and public health nutritionist at Teesside University, writes about health inequalities facing the North.
https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/health-inequality-north-england/
0
4
4
Misan Harriman's career was catapulted after his photographs of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations caught widespread attention. He became the first black man to shoot the cover of British Vogue. It was powerful to speak to him about protest and resistance
www.bigissue.com/news/activis...
loading . . .
Photographer Misan Harriman on Black Lives Matter, Gaza and finding hope in protest
Renowned photographer Misan Harriman has unveiled his first solo exhibition 'The Purpose of Light' featuring images of protest and resistance.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/activism/misan-harriman-interview-black-lives-matter-gaza-protest/
5 months ago
0
1
0
In the aftermath of the vote on the welfare bill last night, I spoke to the BBC's Access All podcast about what it means going forward for disabled people – and the devastating impact this last year of uncertainty has had
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
loading . . .
Access All: Disability News and Mental Health - Controversial benefits change passes Commons - BBC Sounds
Access All: MPs vote in controversial benefits change
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lp5z7p
5 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Marion Davis
5 months ago
Amazing campaign. We can't rely on leaders, only people can make the changes needed happen.🔻
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
1
I wrote about the extraordinary campaign that was Make Poverty History. Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK joined the calls to end poverty 20 years ago – so what would it take for that to happen again?
www.bigissue.com/news/activis...
loading . . .
Whatever happened to Make Poverty History?
Make Poverty History blazed a trail in reducing poverty across the world. But now progress is heading backwards so where do we go from here?
https://www.bigissue.com/news/activism/make-poverty-history-20-years/
5 months ago
0
3
1
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Paula Barker MP
5 months ago
I spoke to
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
from the
@bigissue.com
about why I could not vote for the Welfare Bill last night 👇
www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/why-labour-mps-voted-against-disability-benefit-cuts/
loading . . .
Here's why 49 rebel Labour MPs voted against the government's welfare bill
Rebel Labour MPs explain to the Big Issue why they could not "in good conscience" vote for the disability benefit cuts in the welfare bill.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/why-labour-mps-voted-against-disability-benefit-cuts/
0
4
2
This is an incredible feat. Ahmed is a 29-year-old teacher living in Gaza who, despite the horror his own family faced, decided he had to do something to help children. He set up schools in tents and his team now teach 3,000 kids – giving them hope beyond conflict
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Thousands of children find hope in tent schools in Gaza
Teacher Ahmed Abu Riziq decided he wanted to help children in Gaza, so he set up schools in tents. They try to make the children smile.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/children-gaza-great-minds-tent-schools/
5 months ago
0
1
2
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Chaminda Jayanetti
5 months ago
The government argues its PIP cuts won't hit as many people as feared because applicants will appeal against rejections But DWP figures show a ten-month average wait for appeals. And that's before demand rises with the cuts By me, for Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Majority of PIP claimants with heart disease, arthritis and Crohn's at risk of cuts
DWP data obtained by Big Issue shows that the majority of people with heart failure, HIV and arthritis are at risk of losing their benefits.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/disability-benefit-cuts-pip-heart-disease-arthritis-hiv/
22
218
139
This week's Big Issue is very special. It was created entirely by a group of teenagers. It was lovely to be so involved in this project – to hear their stories and dreams and help make that a reality in the magazine.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/youn...
loading . . .
The story behind our special edition created entirely by young people
This is the story behind the Big Issue's Young Team Takeover – a special edition created entirely by young people.
https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/young-team-takeover-special-edition/
5 months ago
0
1
0
I've been watching the debate on assisted dying closely this morning. MPs have just voted in favour of legalising the bill, with a majority of 23 votes. It will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny
www.bigissue.com/life/health/...
loading . . .
MPs vote to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales
There was an impassioned debate on assisted dying ahead of the vote which will see MP Kim Leadbeater's bill taken to the next stage.
https://www.bigissue.com/life/health/assisted-dying-bill-vote/
5 months ago
0
3
0
An absolute privilege to speak with Sammi, Navid, Mortza and Roozbeh about their experience being refugees and asylum seekers in Cardiff. They love Wales!
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Asylum seekers share their dreams for future: 'I want my children to have a safe life'
The Big Issue speaks to four people supported by charity Oasis about what life is like for asylum seekers and refugees in Wales.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/asylum-seekers-wales-oasis-cardiff/
5 months ago
0
0
0
A lot of employers could learn something from this scheme at Hilton, which is offering work experience and job roles to people with learning disabilities. It was great to attend their celebration afternoon tea earlier this week 🍰 and you can book to go on 2 July!
www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
loading . . .
This afternoon tea is made and served by people with learning disabilities
We attended an afternoon tea made and served entirely by people with learning disabilities at the Hilton, which is offering work experience.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/employment/hilton-afternoon-tea-learning-disabilities-work-experience/
5 months ago
0
0
0
Bon and Thuy Ly, from Vietnam, are searching for their daughter who was born in 1995 and adopted in 2000 in London. Both are terminally ill and their final wish is to speak to her. They want her to know they have missed her every day. More info in this article ⬇️
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
5 months ago
1
1
1
This was a brilliant chat with Rosie Jones. We talked about her new sitcom Pushers, about a disabled woman who turns to drug dealing after her benefits are cut It's an experience (minus the drug dealing) that Jones and many other disabled people know well
www.bigissue.com/culture/tv/r...
loading . . .
Rosie Jones: 'My benefits have been cut – but I'm one of the lucky ones'
Pushers, the first sitcom written by Rosie Jones, is an opportunity to start a conversation about disabilities.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/tv/rosie-jones-interview-pushers-disability-benefits/
5 months ago
0
6
4
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Paula Barker MP
5 months ago
(2/2) I also spoke to
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
from the
@bigissue.com
about why I’ll be voting against the proposed reforms:
www.bigissue.com/news/politics/labour-mps-vote-disability-benefit-cuts-rebellion/
loading . . .
Meet the rebel Labour MPs voting against disability benefit cuts
The Big Issue attended a photo-call where Labour MPs publicly opposed the government's plans for disability benefit cuts.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/politics/labour-mps-vote-disability-benefit-cuts-rebellion/
0
7
3
I headed to parliament this morning to meet the 15 Labour MPs who were prepared to publicly commit to rebelling against the government in the upcoming vote on benefit cuts. They told me it’s likely far more will side with them in the coming weeks
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
loading . . .
Meet the rebel Labour MPs voting against disability benefit cuts
The Big Issue attended a photo-call where Labour MPs publicly opposed the government's plans for disability benefit cuts.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/politics/labour-mps-vote-disability-benefit-cuts-rebellion/
5 months ago
0
5
3
“My appearance, if anything, is the least hard part about my condition. It’s the physical stuff that’s traumatic. It’s all that stuff that makes living with an illness so debilitating” Nikki Lilly is on her way to being a superstar. It was a pleasure to chat to her
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Influencer Nikki Lilly: 'Disabled people are at the bottom of the barrel'
Nikki Lilly is a content creator with facial difference. She speaks to the Big Issue about why positive representation is so important.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/nikki-lilly-interview-arteriovenous-malformation-condition/
6 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Maria Brul
6 months ago
A powerful film shining a light on the silos of public services failing mothers, children, and families who become stuck in the cycles of harm when services don't see women as mothers, carers, and surving trauma. I was honoured to speak at this powerful screening of Lollipop 🍭
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
1
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Agenda Alliance
6 months ago
Thanks
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
and
@bigissue.com
for having us to speak on the Q&A panel for this gut-wrenching new film. We shared insight from our briefing, We Need Support, which highlighted the challenges women face navigating child removal.
www.bigissue.com/culture/film...
loading . . .
New film Lollipop powerfully lays bare the 'inhumane' children's care system
Lollipop tells the story of a young single mother who leaves prison expecting to be reunited with her kids, but released into homelessness.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film/lollipop-film-women-children-care-system-prison/
1
3
1
I hosted a special preview screening of new film Lollipop – a powerful, beautiful film about a homeless woman's experiences of trying to regain custody of her children.
www.bigissue.com/culture/film...
loading . . .
New film Lollipop powerfully lays bare the 'inhumane' children's care system
Lollipop tells the story of a young single mother who leaves prison expecting to be reunited with her kids, but released into homelessness.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film/lollipop-film-women-children-care-system-prison/
6 months ago
1
2
1
The stories I heard from Palestinians yesterday - some of whom had phoned in from Gaza - were gut wrenching. They told me it feels like they are speaking into the void. Please read their stories.
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
loading . . .
Palestinians plead with UK to act as children in Gaza starve to death
British Palestinians held an urgent press conference calling for the UK government to act to help people in Gaza.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/politics/palestinians-uk-gaza-genocide-israel-sanctions/
6 months ago
0
2
3
NHS workers in Manchester's mental health services told me they have faced "multiple horrible tragedies" due to a crisis in staffing. They've accepted a funding deal and called off strikes – but they fear problems persist in mental health teams across the country
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Patients 'dying all over the place' due to Manchester's mental health care crisis
Striking NHS workers in Manchester's mental health services have accepted a deal for more funding – but they fear problems persist.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/mental-health-services-manchester-crisis-patient-deaths/
6 months ago
0
2
1
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Archie Bland
6 months ago
I wrote for the Guardian’s Saturday magazine about my son Max, who changed how I see the world. Took ages. More jokes after the first bit. Thanks Merope Mills for being the most patient and generous editor.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
loading . . .
The boy who came back: the near-death, and changed life, of my son Max
It was, we were told, a case of sudden infant death syndrome interrupted. What followed would transform my understanding of parenting, disability and the breadth of what makes a meaningful life
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/24/the-boy-who-came-back-the-near-death-and-changed-life-of-my-son-max
127
856
260
“It had always been in the back of my mind that hearing people didn’t know about one of the most important civil rights movements of our time. It deserved to be not only documented, but taught on a wider scale.”
www.bigissue.com/culture/film...
loading . . .
Deaf President Now! and the greatest civil rights movement you've never heard of
Deaf President Now! co-directors Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim chat to the Big Issue about their documentary film.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film/deaf-president-now-film-civil-rights-protest/
6 months ago
0
0
0
There’s a great guide here from
@turn2us.bsky.social
for journalists around reporting on the benefits system. There’s so much misinformation out there in the media, and it’s leading to dangerous stigma against claimants, so please do give this a read 👇
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
0
6
3
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Turn2us
6 months ago
(1/3) If we want to rebuild trust in the system, we need to change the way we talk about benefits. Most of us will need support from our social security system at some point in our lives. At its best, social security helps people through these moments, helps them to rebuild. However...
1
4
6
Very much enjoyed watching and writing this review of My Master Builder. It's the women who shine in Ewan McGregor's West End return
www.bigissue.com/culture/thea...
loading . . .
My Master Builder review – it's the women who shine in Ewan McGregor's West End return
The Big Issue reviews My Master Builder – a new West End play which offers audiences an emotionally-charged two hours in the Hamptons.
https://www.bigissue.com/culture/theatre/my-master-builder-review-ewan-mcgregor/
7 months ago
0
1
0
It was very moving to chat with Ash Bibi – best known for being on second season of The Traitors – about her experience going into a women's refuge at 16. "It's important to know there is always going to be somebody there to help you, and there’s always hope"
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
The Traitors' Ash Bibi on fleeing home for a women's refuge at 16
The Traitors' Ash Bibi wants to speak out about her experiences fleeing violence at home as a child to help others find hope.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/the-traitors-ash-bibi-domestic-abuse-womens-refuge/
7 months ago
0
0
0
At least 39,000 overseas care workers have become victims of exploitative employers whose licences have been revoked by the Home Office since 2020 One of them is Joseph – who has been homeless ever since
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' UK employer
More than 39,000 migrant care workers have become victims of exploitative employers since 2020. Organisations are demanding change.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/migrant-care-worker-homeless-work-rights-centre/
7 months ago
0
1
0
"It was nothing to do with selflessness" I spoke to the extraordinary Sally Becker, who has rescued hundreds of children from war zones including Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Gaza
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Meet the heroic mum who's saved hundreds of children from war zones
The extraordinary work of Sally Becker, spanning more than three decades, is documented in a new memoir, 'Where Angels Fear to Tread'.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/sally-becker-interview-children-children-war-zones-aid-worker/
7 months ago
0
2
2
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Kim Johnson MP
8 months ago
Very happy to contribute to
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
's excellent piece for The Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Our kids are in prison for murders they didn't commit. We're fighting for justice
The Big Issue has spoken to six mothers of children jailed for murder under the joint enterprise act about why they want to change the law.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/prison-murder-joint-enterprise-law-jengba/
0
6
4
I spoke to six mothers of children jailed for murder under the joint enterprise act, as well as lawyer Simon Natas and Labour MP
@kimjohnsonmp.bsky.social
, about why they believe the law must be changed
@jengba.bsky.social
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Our kids are in prison for murders they didn't commit. We're fighting for justice
The Big Issue has spoken to six mothers of children jailed for murder under the joint enterprise act about why they want to change the law.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/prison-murder-joint-enterprise-law-jengba/
8 months ago
0
7
2
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Reunite Families UK
8 months ago
"You have no idea that in reality you have no actual rights over your own family life." Thanks
@isabellamcrae.bsky.social
for covering the stories of some of the thousands of families kept apart or exiled as a result of the UK's migration rules.
#LoveInLimbo
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
loading . . .
Families torn apart for not earning enough under Home Office 'unfair' visa rules
British citizens must earn £29,000 a year to bring their foreign spouse to the UK on a family visa, regardless of their partner's salary.
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/uk-family-visa-rules-earnings-backlash/
0
4
3
reposted by
Isabella McRae
Frances Ryan
8 months ago
28
752
319
Load more
feeds!
log in