A new street magazine revealing the raw life of rough sleepers and addicts in Bradford is starting to make an impact – and a profit.

Dad-of-three Gary Staniforth, who has experienced life on the streets himself, has now started his own business by producing and selling a magazine in Bradford called Hidden Voices.

Mr Staniforth, 43, spent time sleeping the streets before moving into a Salvation Army hostel after splitting up with his long-term partner in 2008.

He mounted a protest on the City Hall steps, calling for support for what he called the “Hidden Homeless” after finding it difficult to access help with housing as a single man.

The former car salesman, who now lives in a flat in Windhill, Shipley, went on to set up the Hidden Homeless Foundation, which now produces the magazine and he also runs workshops to help homeless people.

Mr Staniforth has also just got an NVQ Level 3 qualification which makes him qualified to give housing support to others.

“Three years ago I was at rock bottom. I was in a dark place but now I love the person I am. With help and support I’ve changed my life completely.

“The magazine is all about changing other people’s perceptions and attitudes about homeless people. It’s all about raw real-life stories and experiences, it’s people based,” he said.

The bi-monthly magazine, which has secured funding for six months, prints 1,000 copies per edition and is being sold by three street vendors in Bradford and one in Kirklees.

Copies are also distributed to service providers and their users as a way of sharing experiences and proving the point that being out on the streets “is not the end of the road” said Mr Staniforth.

Topics covered so far in previous issues have been rough sleepers and addiction and the November/ December issue will be looking at mental health.

Mr Staniforth is now hoping to get businesses and organiations to back the magazine.

He said: “We’re getting lots of positive feedback from people which is really encouraging and it’s starting to make a profit. I couldn’t wish for much more. I’ve gone from rough sleeper to successful self-employed businessman.”

To contact Mr Staniforth, call 07763 969548.