Scottish media personality and Samaritans ambassador Gail Porter is urging the public to help the charity bring someone’s future back this winter.
The Edinburgh born Scottish TV personality launched the campaign this week as a new billboard was unveiled to promote the message, focusing on bringing someone’s future back.
Gail attached a pair of trainers to the billboard – an object chosen by Samaritans caller Layla McBain as a symbol representing a hopeful future after overcoming struggles with poor mental health.
Gail said: “Winter can be a dark time in more ways than one so it’s vital that people know there is help out there if they are struggling. No one is immune from suicidal thoughts and with one-in-four of us struggling with them at some point in our life, even if it doesn’t happen to us, the chances are we know someone who will suffer from them.
“I’ve called Samaritans before and they really helped me, so I’m delighted to support the campaign to Bring Someone’s Future Back this winter.
“Support yourself, support each other and if you can support Samaritans with a donation too, that would be amazing.”
The billboard, on Hammersmith Bridge Road in London, is a joint effort between Gail and Layla, 28 - the face of Samaritans’ new Bring Someone’s Future Back campaign, which will be running throughout the winter months.
As well as the running shoes, Layla chose to attach a wedding dress to the 3D billboard as she looks forward to planning her future wedding.
When seven-year-old Layla lost her mum to suicide, her world came crashing down. Over the years, Layla struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts and believed that she wasn’t meant to live a long life.
But when she wanted to end her own life too, Layla made the choice to call Samaritans instead.
Now, more than twenty years after losing her mother, Layla is looking forward to the future, including planning her upcoming wedding – a future that she credits Samaritans for giving her.
Layla said: “I couldn’t see a future for myself. I never thought I’d actually use it, but during one really terrible night, I found Samaritans’ number on my phone and made a call that would change the course of my future.
“I was convinced no-one would even answer because it was so late, but they did. They asked me how I was feeling and it’s such an emotional blur that I can’t even remember what I said, but I just know I cried and cried. It was a huge relief. That conversation felt like taking a few steps back from the ledge in my mind.
“The person on the other end of the line seemed to know exactly what I needed at that moment; they helped me see the bigger picture. I now understand it’s a call that saved my life,”
One-in-four people like Layla will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, but suicide can be prevented, and Samaritans is the charity that does this through the power of human connection. Last year, Samaritans volunteers answered more than a quarter of a million calls in December alone from people in crisis.
Layla continues: “I’m very grateful to live a life now that I didn’t think I’d get the chance to beforehand. I know I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for Samaritans – and I’m sure that’s true for so many others who’ve made that same phone call in their darkest moments.
“It’s like a lifeline, and it’s so important we do what we can to make sure it’s still there to help countless others. If my mum had known about Samaritans, I think she’d call and I think it could have saved her.”
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 www.samaritans.org/time.
