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
The US-Iran war creates a 'perfect storm' for the UK's food supply 'hitting the poorest hardest'
Image of a woman working at a food bank
Social Justice

The US-Iran war creates a 'perfect storm' for the UK's food supply 'hitting the poorest hardest'

What does the end to the two-child limit on benefits mean for you?
Child poverty

What does the end to the two-child limit on benefits mean for you?

What would happen if the UK's volunteers stopped volunteering?
Volunteering

What would happen if the UK's volunteers stopped volunteering?

Half a million empty homes are 'hiding in plain sight'. Here's how to unlock them
Stock image of a row of houses
Housing

Half a million empty homes are 'hiding in plain sight'. Here's how to unlock them