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
'Give people a chance': Monica Galetti on the restaurant helping people out of homelessness
Monica Galetti is the new executive chef of 130 Primrose.
Food

'Give people a chance': Monica Galetti on the restaurant helping people out of homelessness

DWP to hire 500 new Access to Work case workers – but will it save the scheme?
dwp
Access to Work

DWP to hire 500 new Access to Work case workers – but will it save the scheme?

Government launches new AI chatbot – but there are fears 'people in need might be excluded'
Woman with baby on computer
Digital inclusion

Government launches new AI chatbot – but there are fears 'people in need might be excluded'

What does the government's cost of living boost mean for family budgets this summer?
baby in supermarket trolley
Cost of living

What does the government's cost of living boost mean for family budgets this summer?