About Hamish
I'm a recovery coach, HIV advocate and speaker — featured by the BBC, LBC Radio, and universities, charities and companies across the UK.
My primary work is helping men who are struggling with addiction to build healthier habits, reconnect with themselves and get unstuck. This doesn't just help you — it helps everyone around you.
I believe each and every one of us holds huge potential — more than we realise. My mission is to help you tap into this.
My story
In 2020 I was diagnosed with late-stage HIV (also known as AIDS). It was the start of my recovery from 20 years of struggles with addiction.
At 11 years old, I survived a hijacked plane — the first of a series of traumatic events that have had a lasting impact on my life. As a result, I lived with chronic stress for 20 years and, from 13 years old, used substances and other destructive coping mechanisms to numb my pain.
Like too many people — especially men — I didn't always talk about what I was going through. I lived with what some would call "high-functioning addiction" — and I learned to hide it very well.
I spent many years immersed in British rave culture and music scenes. The constant parties were amazing — but what started as fun descended into using on my own, lying to myself and others, and spiralling into debt. I lost friends along the way. It could have been me on several occasions.
Before anyone begins the lifelong journey of recovery from addiction there's often a crisis of some sort. My diagnosis was exactly that. After my HIV diagnosis, I spent four years mostly sober. But I relapsed — a lot. I spent a lot of time in therapy, in 12-step recovery groups and reading self-help books. But it wasn't enough to stop me returning to destructive patterns, again and again.
Eventually, in 2023, I started working with a coach. And then another. And then another. I went from relapsing, losing trust in myself and doubting my ability to maintain recovery — to feeling at peace and excited for my future. Coaching made all the difference for me. And it can for you too.
Ultimately, my aim is to help you do in 4 months what took me 4 years.
My work today
Since sharing my story publicly, this work has taken me to institutions across the UK, including 10 Downing Street. I've been featured by BBC World Service, spoken on BBC Radio 5 and LBC Radio, and at organisations including Mind, Terrence Higgins Trust, University College London, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
I currently serve as Board Chair of Amani Community Health Partners in Uganda — an organisation supporting young women and people living with HIV.
Living with HIV
Since a few weeks after being diagnosed with HIV in 2020, I've been undetectable. This means I'm on successful treatment and can't pass it on.
Undetectable = Untransmittable — U=U
My background
I grew up in seven countries in Asia, Africa and Europe and have lived in the UK for 25+ years. London is my home. I now mostly live between Africa and Latin America.
My coaching experience
Fun facts
Ready to do in 4 months
what took me 4 years?