Adrian Foster, 60, outside Co-op, Leamington Spa

I started selling the magazine again back in January. I had been away from The Big Issue for quite a few years, mostly looking after my mum. She lived in Bristol and as she got older and her needs got greater, I became her full-time carer.

My mum died in January 2015. It was a privilege to share that time with her, and after she died I found myself struggling because I was on my own again. I was struggling financially as well, trying to keep a roof over my head, because I was hit by the spare room subsidy. So I came back to selling The Big Issue and it’s been a great boost.

I was isolated, suffering with anxiety and depression, so talking to people, seeing a smiley face and having a little chat with customers has worked wonders. They say if you stand in one place long enough everyone in the world walks by. I’ve reconnected with a lot of friends in Leamington Spa, having been in Bristol for a while, and I’ve met all kinds of interesting people.

I was isolated, suffering with anxiety and depression, so talking to people, seeing a smiley face and having a little chat with customers has worked wonders

Leamington Spa is a very friendly place, with lovely Georgian buildings and some lovely parks that stretch along the River Leam. I like pointing out the Regency terrace here on the Parade, and directing people to All Saints’ Church – one of the largest parish churches in England.

I grew up in a farming family in South Warwickshire. Although the farm was badly hit by the recession of the early 1990s, I fell into renovation work on some of the Georgian buildings here, because I knew about land and grounds work and the underpinning a building that needs when renovation work is done.

I’ve had my struggles with health and mental health, and I moved around the country quite a lot, but I’ve always tried to keep active. I worked for the charity Mind for a while and worked as an equal opportunity officer for a further education college. It’s good to stay active, learn new things and remain curious about life.

Selling The Big Issue has helped me back on my feet again, as it has done in the past. Selling the magazine and meeting new people keeps my mind clear. It helps me live in the moment.

My favourite author… Shakespeare. I went to school in Stratford, like he did. My favourite play is probably King Lear – I’ve seen several productions and remember them vividly.

My favourite place… A spot down on the River Leam called Mill Passage. It’s a lovely old Victorian footbridge where they used to bring sheep across the river.

On my pitch… I’m outside Co-op on The Parade, Leamington Spa, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm

Photo: Siobhan Walden

The Co-operative Food - Leamington Spa, Clemens Street, Leamington Spa, United Kingdom