Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
News

I was a Big Issue vendor and now I'm a Harley Street therapist

Mark Dempster struggled with drug addiction when he was younger, and turned to the Big Issue back in the 1990s. He has completely transformed his life since, and is now a fully trained counsellor with his own practice in Harley Street.

Mark Dempster. Photo: Louise Haywood-Schiefer

A former drug addict and dealer, Mark Dempster sold The Big Issue in the 1990s before he trained as a counsellor and launched his successful Harley Street practice.

He has also co-hosted a radio show with Russell Brand.

“I have led two lives – one before recovery from addiction and one after,” he says.

“The experience and support The Big Issue gave me during my early addiction recovery helped me regain control and become a successful therapist and addiction expert.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Do you know how Big Issue 'really' works?

Watch this simple explanation.

Recommended for you

View all
Inside the innovative employment pilot bringing jobs to overlooked young people's doorsteps
JobsPlus staff and community champions from across the country at a recent Learning in Action event
Employment

Inside the innovative employment pilot bringing jobs to overlooked young people's doorsteps

The horrific state of our social housing is a stain on the nation. There's only one way to fix it
Social housing
Social housing

The horrific state of our social housing is a stain on the nation. There's only one way to fix it

Revealed: One in every 21 people sentenced over 2024 riots was experiencing homelessness
Anti-immigration protesters confront riot police in Manchester in 2024 riots
Homelessness

Revealed: One in every 21 people sentenced over 2024 riots was experiencing homelessness

How social media is changing politics: 'I slid into his DMs and told him not to balls this up'
Andy Burnham, Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer
Politics

How social media is changing politics: 'I slid into his DMs and told him not to balls this up'