Honest lived experience
Mark shares the journey from early success through addiction to recovery, bringing a human connection to risks and consequences.
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ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE AWARENESS
Behind the
spotlight.
Beyond
addiction.
An honest story. Real consequences.
A future worth protecting.
A powerful session with Mark Stevens, bringing lived experience, live music and multimedia together to help young people think about the choices that shape their lives.
50–60minutes of music, media and lived experience
120+schools across Leeds and Bradford
18,000+young people reached through Mark’s school sessions
THE STORY BEHIND THE SESSION
The world saw
the success.
It didn’t see
the struggle.
From Australian television’s Young Talent Time at 13 to Neighbours, a solo music career and touring with Take That, Mark Stevens experienced extraordinary success at a young age. Behind the spotlight, however, alcohol and drugs were taking hold. Introduced to substances at just 14, he entered a twelve-year struggle with addiction that cost him almost everything and nearly took his life.
An encounter with faith in August 1996 became the turning point towards recovery, purpose and a different future. Today, Mark brings that journey into the room with honesty and hope, weaving live music, original songs and career footage together with practical messages about relationships, healthy thinking, healthy habits and safer choices.
MORE THAN A CAUTIONARY TALE
What happens
behind the image
matters.
Fame, talent and opportunity could not protect Mark from addiction. His story opens an honest conversation about pressure, belonging and the influences we allow into our lives.
The session moves from the reality of consequences to the possibility of change, helping young people see the value of their own future and the support available when life gets difficult.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM
A story they can feel.
A message they can carry.
One connected 50–60 minute experience, with music and mentoring woven through the story.
Live music & original songs
Mark performs music he has written, creating moments of connection and reflection that give the message room to land.
A journey through multimedia
Career footage and visual storytelling help young people connect the public image with the personal story behind it.
THE CONVERSATIONS THAT COUNT
Real pressures.
Better choices.
These themes run through the session, giving staff a starting point for conversations afterwards.
- 01
Risks & consequences
Considering how alcohol and drug use can affect health, relationships and future opportunities.
- 02
Pressure & belonging
Recognising harmful influences and thinking about boundaries, friendships and the courage to make a different choice.
- 03
Healthy thinking & habits
Exploring the everyday patterns that shape direction, wellbeing and the way we respond to challenges.
- 04
Hope & asking for help
Understanding that change is possible and that talking to a trusted adult can be an important first step.
MUSIC. MULTIMEDIA. MEANING.
The story continues.
So can yours.
FOR SCHOOLS & YOUTH SETTINGS
A powerful session.
Prepared with care.
Built around your young people
Available as a standalone assembly or group session. We agree age suitability, audience size, content and technical requirements with your team before the visit.
Honest, sensitive delivery
The depth of the addiction story is agreed with staff. Young people are not asked to disclose personal experiences, and support routes are agreed with your school or organisation.
Mark’s personal story includes the role of faith in his recovery. Please discuss your setting and priorities with us when booking so the delivery can be planned appropriately.
ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE AWARENESS
Give them a reason
to think again.
Tell us your year group, audience size and preferred date. Let’s plan a session that connects with your young people.