The TV presenter is fronting the Samaritans’ Bring Someone’s Future Back winter campaign
Television presenter Gail Porter stayed away from Hampstead Heath for years because it brought back distressing memories of sleeping rough in the North London park. Following struggles with depression, anorexia and self-harm, the now 54-year-old found herself at her lowest point in 2014 when an unforeseen tax demand left her financially devastated.
The former Top of the Pops presenter was forced to spend a “couple of nights” sleeping on a bench in Hampstead Heath, and spent months moving between friends’ sofas and spare rooms before managing to rebuild her life. Whilst Gail recovered, she would steer clear of the public space due to the distressing memories from that period, though she now feels emotionally resilient enough to return.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz about whether she avoided Hampstead Heath because of her experience of homelessness, Gail said: “I did for a while because I got anxious. I was very lucky to be homeless on a really nice bench; it was only for a couple of nights there because I was sofa surfing.”
She added: “I get more anxious when I get my letter from the tax man through, or when I get the council tax bill. That makes me anxious all the time. But, yeah, I did have the fear [of going to Hampstead Heath], but then I thought, ‘No. This is an irrational fear.'”
Gail – who was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2011 following a breakdown – contacted the Samaritans in 2012 after medical professionals failed to respond to her concerns during a serious mental health emergency. The former model, who lost all her blonde hair after being diagnosed with alopecia in 2005, became an ambassador for the Samaritans and is leading the charity’s Bring Someone’s Future Back winter campaign alongside Samaritans caller Layla McBain, 28.
Gail also revealed the Samaritans’ 3D billboard on Hammersmith Bridge Road, which she designed with Layla, who battled depression and suicidal thoughts after losing her mum to suicide at the age of seven. Symbolic items are affixed to the 3D billboard, including a pair of trainers chosen by Layla, representing a hopeful future after overcoming mental health struggles.
Layla also included a wedding dress to symbolise planning for her upcoming nuptials – a future she credits the Samaritans with helping her achieve.
Speaking about the Samaritans, Gail, who has a 22-year-old daughter named Honey with her 50-year-old ex-husband, Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave, said: “There are certain places that you go to, and they don’t give you proper information, and the thing about the Samaritans is they listen. Whereas sometimes, when I was asking for help when I was not feeling mentally great, I was just getting pushed from pillar to post, [doctors kept saying] ‘Take tablets.'”
She added: “But with the Samaritans, I got someone who genuinely seemed to care what I was saying. And it was like a huge lift off my shoulder, not being judged. And it was nice and very comforting.”
When asked how the 3D billboard could have aided Gail during her darkest moments, she said: “It’s the power of advertising. If you’re going to see something that big, you think, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It can [strike a chord in someone, and make them think], ‘Oh, I could give them a call.’ And then we’re talking about it now, and I talked to my friends about it, and it’s a great campaign, and it’s a great time for it as well, because Christmas is a lonely time.”
Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, said: “As our volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds, we know that listening has the power to save lives. Sadly, with more people experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempts, it’s clear our service is urgently needed right now, and will continue to be needed into the future. We rely on the public’s generosity, so this winter, please consider making a donation.”
She continued: “Our winter campaign showcases the life-changing impact a call to Samaritans can have for someone in crisis. One in four of us experience suicidal thoughts in our lifetime, which means most of us will likely have a loved one or be someone who will struggle and may feel unable to reach out. Suicide is preventable, and even seemingly small actions can have a big impact – so we’re reminding people that they too have the power to bring someone’s future back by donating today.”
A donation of £10 can ensure a Samaritan is available to answer a potentially life-saving call for help. More information and the option to donate can be found at samaritans.org/donate. For emotional support, you can reach out to the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, send an email to [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or navigate to the Samaritans website.
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