CYP Now - How I Got Here: Reverend Dez Johnston

Alpha Scotland's director on his career milestones.

Dez Johnston: “I got my first taste of youth work and realised that I could help some of these guys not make the same mistakes I had”

Life before Christ

I have always been a hard worker and for most of my adult life held down two jobs. Largely to fund my cocaine addiction. I worked in retail management by day and as a bouncer by night.

I was a store manager of a multi-million pound surf and skate store by the time I was 23 on one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. While also being the head doorman of Glasgow’s newest VIP club.

My life was a strange mix of folding tee-shirts and fighting. This violence drove me to take more drink and drugs to feel okay again.

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