New Media Awards 2007 Atos Origin

The Pavement

Nominated in Contribution to civic society award category.

The Pavement is a magazine distributed to 3,000++ homeless Londoners every month. It offers news and advice, and - the meat of the magazine - a complete listings of services available to homeless people, from where to get a bath and breakfast, to day centres and medical help. The charity is planning a mobile site, and a SMS service for drug users to alert them to, for instance, bad drugs and new needle exchange sites.

5 nominations from readers

  • The Pavement should win because the publicity will make it easier for us to entice the advertisers we need to keep the mag running! We have been asked to expand our coverage other parts of the UK, but do not have the resources. We know there is a great deal more we could do for our readers (as they keep telling us!), and a bit of NMA 2007 kudos would grease the wheels.

    Nominated by Val Stevenson, 26 February 2007

  • Addressing an issue much ignored in the capital, 'The Pavement' magazine provides an essential yet amusing read for its homeless readers.

    With news stories, vital health and safety information and an indispensible directory contrasting with witty cartoons, anecdotes and reader's letters; 'The Pavement' cuts its important issues with humour and wit, its novel approach meaning the reader is always the main concern.

    In my view, the work of The Pavement is an ideal way of helping the homeless, not only in terms of health and safety, but also providing a modern day comfort and pleasure.

    I am nominating 'The Pavement' as I feel an award is not only deserved, but will be a helping hand in their expansion.

    Nominated by Thomas Bobbin Philosophy Student, 11 April 2007

  • Starting in 2006 with much goodwill and very little funding, this magazine is now distributed to 4,000 outlets of homeless shelters, churches, day centres and hostels in Greater London. Professional writers, cartoonists and volunteers give their services free because of their belief in the huge gap the magazine fills. Demand for the magazine is growing and therefore more funding is being sought to satisfy this demand. If the reward is received, it will help to raise the profile of the magazine further, and demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the homeless community. For far too long they have been the invisible people on our streets, and The Pavement is making a huge contribution in changing this perception and giving them back some dignity.

    Nominated by Anita Jackson, 21 May 2007

  • I'd like to niminate the Pavement because of the unique and vital voice it provides for homeless issues in the capital and beyond. Because of it the volunteers at the soup kitchen I work at are able to better equip themselves to relate to and assist with the issues of the homeless they meet there. The award would lift the profile of the Pavement indefinitely and help it attract and secure funding to broaden its readership and spread the reach of its invaluable work. Hats off to the Pavement!

    Nominated by Christoph Warrack, 23 May 2007

  • The Pavement should win because the publicity would make it easier for us to entice the advertisers and funding bodies we need to run the magazine and carry out our ambitious plans to help our readers! We know there is a great deal more we could do for them, and a bit of NMA 2008 kudos would help.

    Nominated by valstevenson, 29 May 2008

51 comments from readers

  • Invaluable!

    Submitted by Paul Sieveking, 28 March 2007

  • Its a great and informative publication our clients at Spires in South London, mostly homeless and disadvantaged in many ways, really love receiving it and seeing what else is going on around London. Well done!

    Submitted by Amanda Cooper, 28 March 2007

  • Great publication for those working in the field as it acts as a valuable resource and provides a reality check and humour

    Submitted by matthew, 28 March 2007

  • Its new editor Catherine Neilan and reporter Carlo Svaluto are great. They work hard for a publication which DOES serve the public good.

    Submitted by James Fontanella, 28 March 2007

  • The Pavement is a good and useful friend to homeless people in London. In a country where it is considered "helpful" to squirt you with a jet of water from a hose for rough sleeping in the wrong place - then homeless people need all the friends they can get.

    Submitted by Grant Everitt, 28 March 2007

  • It is a great publication, addressing directly the problem of homelessness.... Plus, for homeless, not only about homeless people.

    Submitted by andrew, 28 March 2007

  • The Pavement is a unique publication

    that serves an otherwise forgotten element of our society; the homeless.

    Being street homeless myself I am aware of the popularity of this magazine amongst both the homeless community and the service providers, and it deserves all the encouragement it can get. Well done the pavement !

    Submitted by Michael., 28 March 2007

  • The staff and clients would be lost without 'the Pavement' the list is especially useful to us all and the articles are always relevent and interesting. Thank you and well done for producing such a useful and great magazine. Mike and all at NLAH

    Submitted by Mike Tomes Manager North London action for the Homeles, 28 March 2007

  • As a regular reporter, I could be considered bias, however this is a magazine run on commitment and passion alone, and everyone involved is dedicated to providing advice, support and invaluable information to Londons homeless. And from the feedback I have had this is well received. But we know we could do more; we could reach other cities and build online facilites. For this we need the support from outside, which this nomination could aid. Thank you.

    Submitted by Rebecca Wearn, 29 March 2007

  • Without magazines such as this the homeless would be worse off. For these people fortune has often not been kind and it is up to us to help those helping them.

    Submitted by Lauren Colledge, 29 March 2007

  • A great read for clients and staff alike. Intelligent and informative articles that are enjoyed by all. Look forward to our delivery each month. A round of applause to all the dedicated staff involved in The Pavement.

    Submitted by Tanya O'Brien, 29 March 2007

  • The Pavement is a well presented publication and of a far more practical use to homeless people than the "Big Issue" can claim to be.

    Until recently I was homeless and the Pavement reported sympathetically on a couple of issues that I had come up against whilst I was homeless for which I am grateful. They certainly get my nomination.

    Submitted by Steve, 29 March 2007

  • I have found the pavement magazine a valuable source of information about the homeless sector and with comprehensive listings of services for the people that live on the street.

    Submitted by duncan, 29 March 2007

  • For sheer determination by all involved, and to all those on the street, this matters a great deal - well done the Pavement.

    Submitted by M Wearn, 29 March 2007

  • Go-on NMA grease their wheels, the Pavement is worth it!

    Submitted by Rich, 29 March 2007

  • Fantastic magazine providing regularly updated information for homeless people and workers alike

    Submitted by Shona Keenan, ScotsCare, 29 March 2007

  • The Pavement is an important publication, not produced for profit or other selfish motives but in order to serve the homeless people of London. Keep up the good work

    Submitted by Adam Gage, Webber Street Day Centre, 29 March 2007

  • A great magazine run by dedicated people, making a real difference to the lives of homeless people. I hope they get the recognition and exposure they deserve through the NMA.

    Submitted by Lar O\'Dwyer, 29 March 2007

  • The pavement desperately needs the publicity to earn extra funds. Just look at the comment by their reporter Rebecca. Her spelling is atrocious. Please help them pay for her to be properly educated.

    Submitted by Johnny, 29 March 2007

  • It's great and it's invaluable so let's keep it available for everyone to read.

    Submitted by Jacqui Hughes, 30 March 2007

  • When a battered copy of The Pavement found its way into The Choral Hall Day Centre in Newham, both staff and centre users wanted more, wondering why they had never seen anything like it before. Its pocket sized format and beautiful pictures make it so readable that I'd not be surprised if similar battered copies soon start turning up overseas.

    Submitted by Brother Hugh Cobbett SSF, 30 March 2007

  • A truly innovative idea.At times controversial,but always willing to explore several sides of any debate.

    Submitted by Adrian, 30 March 2007

  • The Pavement is a great magazine which addresses the day to day real life happenings which might otherwise get forgotten. It also sometimes tells of similar events abroad which reminds us that homelessness is a global matter. We should never forget that a homeless person is above all a human being like you and me who deserves to be heard and listened to. Thank you \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'The Pavement\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' for this opportunity!

    Submitted by Pearl, 01 April 2007

  • An essential service to homeless people by a truly dedicated staff team.

    Submitted by Jo Morton, 02 April 2007

  • As the CEO of a front-line service to the homeless in London, I think the Pavement was innovative in conception. It has now become invaluable to both service users and staff members. Its contribution to the cause of homelessnes is truly exceptional.

    Submitted by Dr Hugh Milroy, 03 April 2007

  • The Pavement is a very important publication for everyone who reads it. Long may it continue to keep people informed and provide a voice for homelessness, which is not always heard.

    Submitted by Moira McDonagh, 03 April 2007

  • The Pavement has been an essential source for survival information for several lovely people I know, and I believe it is really important that it gets its well deserved recognition, and wins the contribution to civic society award.

    Submitted by Debrah, 04 April 2007

  • A great publication! Deserves a lot more recognition...

    Submitted by Helen Burgess, 04 April 2007

  • The pavement also conveys the views of those living on the streets and it stands up for what is right. It is a publication that is not afraid to show a point of view and that it is on the side of the homeless.

    Submitted by Revd. Leao Neto, 04 April 2007

  • Interesting and imformative reading

    carry on the good work

    Submitted by BILL WOOD, 05 April 2007

  • I click here the 5 stars... knowing full well that most homeless who are touched and helped by this publication are not able to do so themselves at this point in their reality.

    Hence, I hope these stars can be multiplied in your imagination by their number. They do not have this "internet-star-clicking" voice, THE PAVEMENT is their voice.

    That is the WHOLE beauty of it and that is what you must remember.

    Submitted by Celine Bourdon, 05 April 2007

  • As a street-homelessness outreach volunteer, I've found The Pavement of invaluable use over and over again. It has those rare qualities of being both informative and a space for discussion; of reaching its target audience by clever distribution and content; and of reaching beyond that towards service providers. The Pavement really deserves its nomination!

    Submitted by marike, 08 April 2007

  • The best homelessness magazine - focussed and informative.

    Submitted by bill risebero, 08 April 2007

  • The Pavement is a real eye-opener for anyone fortunate enough to have a home, but chances to pick it up. It should be required reading for all the "haves" in the city.

    Submitted by John Nicholson, 10 April 2007

  • Having read a couple of issues, It's hard not to support The Pavement's work. Not only important, but also a magazine with substance. Kudos to the editor- keep fighting the good fight.

    Submitted by Thomas Bobbin Philosophy Student, 10 April 2007

  • The Pavement is fantastic - it takes homeless people and their lives seriously.

    Submitted by nicky tanner, 11 April 2007

  • I work with homeless people and find the Pavement gives me a real and very useful insight into their lives - it's brilliant! Also very funny and does not patronise.

    Submitted by Alison, 11 April 2007

  • It's a brilliant magazine, full of important information

    Submitted by Andy Haswell, 11 April 2007

  • A unique insight into the lives and worries of homeless people all over london, this is coming from an ex homeless person who wishes valuable information like such is printed in "The Pavement" was avaiable to me in my period of need.

    Submitted by Nathalie-Jade O'Brien, 11 April 2007

  • a unique magazine dealing with various aspects of homelessness! Let's keep it going!

    Submitted by Stéphanie - from France., 13 April 2007

  • I wish to add my voice to complement all who are involved in The Pavement magazine. This publication is a valuable resource to everyone who cares about homelessness issues. May it continue to grow and its voice be heard to an ever widening audience.

    Submitted by Michael Fogarty, 18 April 2007

  • The factual, balanced and well written articles in The Pavement leave me feeling well informed and somewhat wiser about the real challenges of homelessness today - it's a valuable publication that seems to really deliver.

    Submitted by Faith, 20 April 2007

  • I particularly value its unique blend of direct contributions from people who experience homelessness and quality journalism. This is essential for a considered debate of the current situation. Long may it continue!

    Submitted by Martin McAnaney, 22 April 2007

  • Engaging and honest, The Pavement walks where others merely talk. Give it your vote, and more if you can.

    Submitted by Richard Barnett, 27 April 2007

  • Really good mix of articles which are very well balanced and sometimes eye-opening. A great resource not just for the homeless, but those who don\'t want to turn a blind eye.

    Submitted by Gemma, 27 April 2007

  • The pavement is a magazine greatly appreciated mostly by its target group the homeless people. With a fully developed guide where to eat, where to wash yourself and your clothes and in general what is going on and where, it is a real friend. the most important is that is handed out for free. As a person interested in homelessness i found The pavement a really usefull resource of information. Real and human!

    Submitted by Yiannis Mettas, 03 May 2007

  • The Pavement is really good, giving practical information to the homeless as well as general information about homelessness in the UK and abroad, always with a touch of humour. Fantastic work, it must go on.

    Submitted by claire d., 06 May 2007

  • cheezy but true.keep up the good work guys(what a cliche.lol)

    Submitted by Popz, 09 May 2007

  • Working as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, I see, first hand, how The Pavement magazine is eagerly received by our guests. It fills a much needed gap for the homeless, with relevant articles about homelessness and providing them with advice and help in its back pages through The List which is always included and updated. The magazine also offers a forum for the homeless to express and exchange their views and concerns - which is an invaluable opportunity for them to have their own voice. This magazine MUST succeed in its nomination and get the award !

    Submitted by Anita Jackson, 20 May 2007

  • i'd like to niminate the Pavement because of the unique and vital voice it provides for homeless issues in the capital and beyond. Because of it the volunteers at the soup kitchen I work at are able to better equip themselves to relate to and assist with the issues of the homeless they meet there. The award would lift the profile of the Pavement indefinitely and help it attract and secure funding to broaden its readership and spread the reach of its invaluable work. Hats off to the Pavement!

    Submitted by Christoph Warrack, 23 May 2007

  • An issue quite literally on our doorsteps, pun intended. Give them your vote.

    Submitted by Julian Baker, 24 May 2007