Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 141: Day 6: The Big Help
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May 19, 2025 Abi Whistance from the Liverpool Post, an investigative journalist, dives into her four-part exposé on the Big Help Project, a housing charity that mismanaged funds meant for vulnerable residents. She reveals alarming systemic failures and the tragic consequences faced by those affected, including a heartbreaking case linked to inadequate support. The discussion unravels the complex web of financial mismanagement and nepotism within the organization, highlighting the ongoing struggles of residents amid chaotic changes and a lack of transparency.
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Initial Lead Sparks Investigation
- Abi Whistance began investigating the Big Help Project after a woman living in terrible conditions reached out with her story.
- She discovered alarming details including a resident's suicide unnoticed for days and appalling housing conditions.
Charity's Complex Organizational Web
- The Big Help Project grew into a complex network of nearly 30 entities including charities and private firms.
- These organizations spanned housing, food banks, education, and religious initiatives, making oversight difficult.
Rapid Expansion via Housing Shift
- Big Help rapidly shifted from a food bank to providing housing for vulnerable people exploiting a government gap.
- This new model saw unprecedented growth in funding and property acquisition potentially exploiting a loophole.