Gail Porter avoided Hampstead Heath as London location triggered flashbacks of her homelessness
TV personality Gail Porter has opened up about overcoming traumatic memories of homelessness on Hampstead Heath as she fronts a new Samaritans winter campaign highlighting the charity’s life-saving support for people in crisis.
Gail Porter avoided going to Hampstead Heath for a long time because it triggered memories of her being homeless and sleeping rough in the London park.
After bouts of depression, anorexia and self-harm, the 54-year-old TV presenter hit rock bottom in 2014 after an unexpected tax bill ruined her financially.
The former Top of the Pops host had to spend a "couple of nights" on a bench in Hampstead Heath, and moved between friends' sofas and spare rooms for months before she got back on her feet.
Gail bounced back but would avoid the public space because of the painful memories of that time, but now she is strong enough to visit the idyllic spot.
When asked if she avoided Hampstead Heath due to her homelessness, Gail exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "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.
"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 after a breakdown - called the Samaritans in 2012 after doctors would not listen to her when she went through a severe mental health crisis.
The former model - who lost all of her blonde hair after being diagnosed with alopecia in 2005 - became an ambassador for the Samaritans, and is fronting the charity's Bring Someone's Future Back winter campaign with Samaritans caller Layla McBain, 28.
Gail also unveiled the Samaritans' 3D billboard on Hammersmith Bridge Road, which she created with Layla - who struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts after she lost her mum to suicide when Layla was aged seven.
Symbolic items are attached to the 3D billboard, including a pair of trainers chosen by Layla - an object that represents a hopeful future after she overcame struggles with poor mental health.
And Layla also included a wedding dress to represent planning for her upcoming wedding - a future that she credits Samaritans for giving her.
Speaking about the Samaritans, Gail - who has a 22-year-old daughter called 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.’
"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."
Asked how the 3D billboard would have helped Gail at the lowest point in her life, she added: "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.
"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 £10 donation can ensure that a Samaritan is there to answer a life-saving call for help. You can find out more and donate by visiting samaritans.org/donate.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
