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
Wales homeless football team faces race against time to survive: ‘We’re at breaking point’
Wayne Ellaway Homeless World Cup
Homelessness

Wales homeless football team faces race against time to survive: ‘We’re at breaking point’

Period poverty forces UK women to use newspaper instead of sanitary products: 'It's unacceptable'
Sanitary towels
Period poverty

Period poverty forces UK women to use newspaper instead of sanitary products: 'It's unacceptable'

Why are homes left empty in the UK and how can we fill them up?
Boarded-up empty homes in Bradford
Housing

Why are homes left empty in the UK and how can we fill them up?

Carer's allowance turns 50: 'I keep the money side of things from her, I don't want her to worry'
carer pushing someone in a wheelchair
Unpaid carers

Carer's allowance turns 50: 'I keep the money side of things from her, I don't want her to worry'