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
'Who are you going to trust on social media? You can trust what you hear at Jodrell Bank'
Jodrell Bank's Lovell Telescope.
Science

'Who are you going to trust on social media? You can trust what you hear at Jodrell Bank'

'I’m a single mum. Summer school holidays mean a bigger food bill'
Food bajnk user Kylie at Weaver's Adventure playground
Food

'I’m a single mum. Summer school holidays mean a bigger food bill'

Count Binface: 'Humans can decide if Farage is more establishment than a lone wolf space warrior'
Count Binface outside UK parliament
Politics

Count Binface: 'Humans can decide if Farage is more establishment than a lone wolf space warrior'

'I've done more for my community through boxing than I ever did in a police uniform'
Dan O’Sullivan, chair of the Dagenham Amateur Boxing Club.
Social Justice

'I've done more for my community through boxing than I ever did in a police uniform'