The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Gail Porter on life, wellness and the Tartan Army
To quote a decadesold advert: “It’s good to talk.” And that is something Gail Porter has tried to do throughout her adult life, whether it’s about her mental health, her money problems or her alopecia.
“I think it began after my hair fell out,” she explained, “and I thought I would get on with it and when I had bad days I would talk about it.
“Then when you do, you get so many people telling you that they’ve felt the same or they’ve had a similar experience and you begin to see that you aren’t the only person going through a bad time, which helps.”
But, for the Edinburgh native, talking isn’t just about feeling understood – Gail also uses it as a way to help others and to reassure people that there are places and ways to get help.
“When I had my money problems, it was a company called Creditfix who helped me and then I worked with them for a couple of years giving talks about finance and mental health.”
Gail has harnessed appearances on TV, radio and podcasts to spread the word about mental health and wellness, including taking part in Baftfawinning documentary, Being Gail Porter.
And the latest event is an appearance at Belhaven Big Top at this year’s Fringe By The Sea festival in North Berwick, a place she
knows well.
“My granddad used to drive us there for ice cream,” she revealed. “It is only about half an hour from where I grew up and I don’t think I realised at the time how lucky I was to have somewhere nice like that so close.”
She added: “It’ll be great to have a conversation, rather than me standing myself and giving a talk, because it’s more relaxed and can go in different directions.”
But her appearance isn’t the only part of Fringe By The Sea she’s looking forward to.
“Basement Jaxx and Hughie Morgan from Fun Lovin’ Criminals are going to be there and I can’t wait to have a dance!”
Despite her difficulties, Gail says she’s “thriving”.
“I know I can pay my bills, I have a roof over my head and I’m comfortable.
“I’m quite happy in my tiny London flat with my cat and my gorgeous daughter.”
And despite living in
London, Gail still gets the occasional reminder of home.
“I was at King’s Cross Station to catch a train to Leeds to film Steph’s Packed Lunch the day before the Scotland v England game and it was packed with men in kilts!
“One recognised me and shouted ‘is that Gail Porter’, which got some attention. I was trying to get me and my suitcase on to my train but it was lovely to speak to them – if slightly scary too!”