Hull's Beats Bus: The Heart of Community Change and Hope

In a remarkable recognition of grassroots efforts, Hull's Beats Bus has been named one of the top 100 "Changemakers" making a positive impact on society by the Big Issue. This initiative harnesses the power of hip-hop to combat poverty and protect vulnerable young people from gang influences, especially in the challenging realm of county lines crime.

Resilience in Adversity

Despite facing a significant setback in 2024 when they lost their original bus, the Beats Bus team, led by founder Steve Arnott, did not lose hope. Rather than succumb to despair, they embraced the challenge as an opportunity to redefine their mission and their vehicle. Arnott expressed their determination, stating, "We see this as a chance to re-define and re-imagine a new vehicle," underlining their commitment to support young people and change lives.

Support from the Big Issue and Wates

Thanks to crowdfunding efforts and collaboration with partners like Big Issue Invest, a new Beats Bus is now operational, allowing the team to continue their important work. This year, the initiative will also benefit from expert advice and guidance from Wates Group, Big Issue’s official partner. This relationship aims to enhance the capabilities of the Changemakers, providing them with essential resources and connections that will amplify their social impact.

Celebrating Community Changemakers

Russell Blackman, the managing director of the Big Issue, emphasized the significance of the Changemakers list, stating, "Our annual Changemakers list is a celebration of the people doing just that – rising up to make marginalised voices heard." With the addition of Wates as a partner, Changemakers now have the opportunity to access valuable support that will help them scale their operations and drive even greater societal change.

As the Big Issue celebrates its 35th anniversary, this initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven efforts and the indomitable spirit of individuals like Steve Arnott. The future looks bright for the Beats Bus and the countless young people it serves.