Latest news with #GailPorter
South Wales Argus
30-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
William issues rallying cry in continuing bid to tackle homelessness
Marking Homewards' second anniversary, heir to the throne William said his programme was now in 'delivery mode' and he outlined his optimism it would lead to long-term change. 'There are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts,' the prince said in a letter thanking Homewards' local coalitions. The Prince of Wales with Homewards advocate Gail Porter, as they met with a resident who moved into one of 31 newly furnished Homewards homes in Aberdeen (Derek Ironside/Daily Mail/PA) More than 100 initiatives are in place across six locations around the UK, and some 300 homes – a mixture of empty accommodation, private rentals and new builds – are forecast to be delivered through Homewards' Innovative Housing Projects. The first residents moved into flats in Aberdeen in March after Homewards brought together a local housing association, high street retailers and others to provide and furnish the property, and the first tenants in Sheffield are moving in this week. Two years in, the project has also launched a new early intervention initiative in schools to identify young people most at risk of homelessness. The prince will hear how the Upstream scheme is working when he travels to Meadowhead Secondary School in Sheffield on Tuesday. In February, William unveiled a new partnership with high street bank Lloyds Banking Group, which has made £50 million available to organisations tackling homelessness. Nearly £3 million has also been secured for Homewards locations from partners and coalition members. William wrote: 'I am immensely proud to say that your collective effort has already allowed us to achieve lasting impact. 'After a year of convening, our second year has seen Homewards shift into delivery mode.' These newly furnished homes will provide safety and security for new residents, but also foster a supportive environment that encourages longer tenancy and helps to prevent homelessness. Congratulations on your new home, and thank you for hosting us today! 💐 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 27, 2025 He added: 'Together, we are demonstrating tangible impact. I know this is a mammoth challenge and change won't come overnight, but over the past year we've started to shift the dial and there are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts.' He described how creating long-term change was 'complex and unpredictable', adding: 'But I am confident we can lead and inspire understanding, empathy and optimism that homelessness can be ended.' The prince ended his letter by signing it in his own handwriting: 'Keep going! William'. He launched his Homewards programme, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, 'making it rare, brief and unrepeated', in 2023. Six locations were chosen – Newport in south Wales, Lambeth in south London, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Sheffield and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area. The Upstream school survey pilot is set to be rolled out to two other schools in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, later this year. The preventative approach, which seeks to tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide support to young people and their families at the earliest opportunity, is modelled on the successful Geelong Project in Australia, which saw a 40% reduction in youth homelessness and a 20% reduction in the number of young people leaving school early. Homewards has also created action plans to focus efforts on the most at-risk groups in each location, such as single people and under-25s in Aberdeen, lone parents in temporary accommodation in Lambeth and families and women facing multiple disadvantages in Newport. Liz Laurence, Homewards' programme director, said: 'We're proud to say, as we head into our third year, that Homewards is the broadest collective effort working to prevent homelessness across the UK.' Ms Laurence added: 'We set out with a mission to demonstrate that together it's possible to end homelessness, and I think we are really confident about where we are… We are starting really to see a difference on the ground.' The five-year campaign is a major long-term focus for William, who has told how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales when he was a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work. Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter and now an independent social policy commentator, said: 'In our wider culture, as a country, we see homelessness as something that is inevitable, that we don't really understand, that we feel powerless about doing anything about. 'What Prince William and Homewards are doing, if you want to put it in a nutshell, is tackling that culture straight on and saying 'This is not inevitable. This is preventable'.'
Glasgow Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
William issues rallying cry in continuing bid to tackle homelessness
Marking Homewards' second anniversary, heir to the throne William said his programme was now in 'delivery mode' and he outlined his optimism it would lead to long-term change. 'There are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts,' the prince said in a letter thanking Homewards' local coalitions. The Prince of Wales with Homewards advocate Gail Porter, as they met with a resident who moved into one of 31 newly furnished Homewards homes in Aberdeen (Derek Ironside/Daily Mail/PA) More than 100 initiatives are in place across six locations around the UK, and some 300 homes – a mixture of empty accommodation, private rentals and new builds – are forecast to be delivered through Homewards' Innovative Housing Projects. The first residents moved into flats in Aberdeen in March after Homewards brought together a local housing association, high street retailers and others to provide and furnish the property, and the first tenants in Sheffield are moving in this week. Two years in, the project has also launched a new early intervention initiative in schools to identify young people most at risk of homelessness. The prince will hear how the Upstream scheme is working when he travels to Meadowhead Secondary School in Sheffield on Tuesday. In February, William unveiled a new partnership with high street bank Lloyds Banking Group, which has made £50 million available to organisations tackling homelessness. Nearly £3 million has also been secured for Homewards locations from partners and coalition members. William wrote: 'I am immensely proud to say that your collective effort has already allowed us to achieve lasting impact. 'After a year of convening, our second year has seen Homewards shift into delivery mode.' These newly furnished homes will provide safety and security for new residents, but also foster a supportive environment that encourages longer tenancy and helps to prevent homelessness. Congratulations on your new home, and thank you for hosting us today! 💐 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 27, 2025 He added: 'Together, we are demonstrating tangible impact. I know this is a mammoth challenge and change won't come overnight, but over the past year we've started to shift the dial and there are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts.' He described how creating long-term change was 'complex and unpredictable', adding: 'But I am confident we can lead and inspire understanding, empathy and optimism that homelessness can be ended.' The prince ended his letter by signing it in his own handwriting: 'Keep going! William'. He launched his Homewards programme, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, 'making it rare, brief and unrepeated', in 2023. Six locations were chosen – Newport in south Wales, Lambeth in south London, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Sheffield and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area. The Upstream school survey pilot is set to be rolled out to two other schools in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, later this year. The preventative approach, which seeks to tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide support to young people and their families at the earliest opportunity, is modelled on the successful Geelong Project in Australia, which saw a 40% reduction in youth homelessness and a 20% reduction in the number of young people leaving school early. Homewards has also created action plans to focus efforts on the most at-risk groups in each location, such as single people and under-25s in Aberdeen, lone parents in temporary accommodation in Lambeth and families and women facing multiple disadvantages in Newport. Liz Laurence, Homewards' programme director, said: 'We're proud to say, as we head into our third year, that Homewards is the broadest collective effort working to prevent homelessness across the UK.' Ms Laurence added: 'We set out with a mission to demonstrate that together it's possible to end homelessness, and I think we are really confident about where we are… We are starting really to see a difference on the ground.' The five-year campaign is a major long-term focus for William, who has told how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales when he was a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work. Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter and now an independent social policy commentator, said: 'In our wider culture, as a country, we see homelessness as something that is inevitable, that we don't really understand, that we feel powerless about doing anything about. 'What Prince William and Homewards are doing, if you want to put it in a nutshell, is tackling that culture straight on and saying 'This is not inevitable. This is preventable'.'
The Herald Scotland
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
William issues rallying cry in continuing bid to tackle homelessness
'There are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts,' the prince said in a letter thanking Homewards' local coalitions. The Prince of Wales with Homewards advocate Gail Porter, as they met with a resident who moved into one of 31 newly furnished Homewards homes in Aberdeen (Derek Ironside/Daily Mail/PA) More than 100 initiatives are in place across six locations around the UK, and some 300 homes – a mixture of empty accommodation, private rentals and new builds – are forecast to be delivered through Homewards' Innovative Housing Projects. The first residents moved into flats in Aberdeen in March after Homewards brought together a local housing association, high street retailers and others to provide and furnish the property, and the first tenants in Sheffield are moving in this week. Two years in, the project has also launched a new early intervention initiative in schools to identify young people most at risk of homelessness. The prince will hear how the Upstream scheme is working when he travels to Meadowhead Secondary School in Sheffield on Tuesday. In February, William unveiled a new partnership with high street bank Lloyds Banking Group, which has made £50 million available to organisations tackling homelessness. Nearly £3 million has also been secured for Homewards locations from partners and coalition members. William wrote: 'I am immensely proud to say that your collective effort has already allowed us to achieve lasting impact. 'After a year of convening, our second year has seen Homewards shift into delivery mode.' These newly furnished homes will provide safety and security for new residents, but also foster a supportive environment that encourages longer tenancy and helps to prevent homelessness. Congratulations on your new home, and thank you for hosting us today! 💐 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 27, 2025 He added: 'Together, we are demonstrating tangible impact. I know this is a mammoth challenge and change won't come overnight, but over the past year we've started to shift the dial and there are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts.' He described how creating long-term change was 'complex and unpredictable', adding: 'But I am confident we can lead and inspire understanding, empathy and optimism that homelessness can be ended.' The prince ended his letter by signing it in his own handwriting: 'Keep going! William'. He launched his Homewards programme, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, 'making it rare, brief and unrepeated', in 2023. Six locations were chosen – Newport in south Wales, Lambeth in south London, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Sheffield and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area. The Upstream school survey pilot is set to be rolled out to two other schools in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, later this year. The preventative approach, which seeks to tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide support to young people and their families at the earliest opportunity, is modelled on the successful Geelong Project in Australia, which saw a 40% reduction in youth homelessness and a 20% reduction in the number of young people leaving school early. Homewards has also created action plans to focus efforts on the most at-risk groups in each location, such as single people and under-25s in Aberdeen, lone parents in temporary accommodation in Lambeth and families and women facing multiple disadvantages in Newport. Liz Laurence, Homewards' programme director, said: 'We're proud to say, as we head into our third year, that Homewards is the broadest collective effort working to prevent homelessness across the UK.' Ms Laurence added: 'We set out with a mission to demonstrate that together it's possible to end homelessness, and I think we are really confident about where we are… We are starting really to see a difference on the ground.' The five-year campaign is a major long-term focus for William, who has told how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales when he was a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work. Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter and now an independent social policy commentator, said: 'In our wider culture, as a country, we see homelessness as something that is inevitable, that we don't really understand, that we feel powerless about doing anything about. 'What Prince William and Homewards are doing, if you want to put it in a nutshell, is tackling that culture straight on and saying 'This is not inevitable. This is preventable'.'
Western Telegraph
29-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
William issues rallying cry in continuing bid to tackle homelessness
Marking Homewards' second anniversary, heir to the throne William said his programme was now in 'delivery mode' and he outlined his optimism it would lead to long-term change. 'There are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts,' the prince said in a letter thanking Homewards' local coalitions. The Prince of Wales with Homewards advocate Gail Porter, as they met with a resident who moved into one of 31 newly furnished Homewards homes in Aberdeen (Derek Ironside/Daily Mail/PA) More than 100 initiatives are in place across six locations around the UK, and some 300 homes – a mixture of empty accommodation, private rentals and new builds – are forecast to be delivered through Homewards' Innovative Housing Projects. The first residents moved into flats in Aberdeen in March after Homewards brought together a local housing association, high street retailers and others to provide and furnish the property, and the first tenants in Sheffield are moving in this week. Two years in, the project has also launched a new early intervention initiative in schools to identify young people most at risk of homelessness. The prince will hear how the Upstream scheme is working when he travels to Meadowhead Secondary School in Sheffield on Tuesday. In February, William unveiled a new partnership with high street bank Lloyds Banking Group, which has made £50 million available to organisations tackling homelessness. Nearly £3 million has also been secured for Homewards locations from partners and coalition members. William wrote: 'I am immensely proud to say that your collective effort has already allowed us to achieve lasting impact. 'After a year of convening, our second year has seen Homewards shift into delivery mode.' These newly furnished homes will provide safety and security for new residents, but also foster a supportive environment that encourages longer tenancy and helps to prevent homelessness. Congratulations on your new home, and thank you for hosting us today! 💐 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 27, 2025 He added: 'Together, we are demonstrating tangible impact. I know this is a mammoth challenge and change won't come overnight, but over the past year we've started to shift the dial and there are now people who are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to your tremendous efforts.' He described how creating long-term change was 'complex and unpredictable', adding: 'But I am confident we can lead and inspire understanding, empathy and optimism that homelessness can be ended.' The prince ended his letter by signing it in his own handwriting: 'Keep going! William'. He launched his Homewards programme, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, 'making it rare, brief and unrepeated', in 2023. Six locations were chosen – Newport in south Wales, Lambeth in south London, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Sheffield and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area. The Upstream school survey pilot is set to be rolled out to two other schools in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, later this year. The preventative approach, which seeks to tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide support to young people and their families at the earliest opportunity, is modelled on the successful Geelong Project in Australia, which saw a 40% reduction in youth homelessness and a 20% reduction in the number of young people leaving school early. Homewards has also created action plans to focus efforts on the most at-risk groups in each location, such as single people and under-25s in Aberdeen, lone parents in temporary accommodation in Lambeth and families and women facing multiple disadvantages in Newport. Liz Laurence, Homewards' programme director, said: 'We're proud to say, as we head into our third year, that Homewards is the broadest collective effort working to prevent homelessness across the UK.' Ms Laurence added: 'We set out with a mission to demonstrate that together it's possible to end homelessness, and I think we are really confident about where we are… We are starting really to see a difference on the ground.' The five-year campaign is a major long-term focus for William, who has told how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales when he was a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work. Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter and now an independent social policy commentator, said: 'In our wider culture, as a country, we see homelessness as something that is inevitable, that we don't really understand, that we feel powerless about doing anything about. 'What Prince William and Homewards are doing, if you want to put it in a nutshell, is tackling that culture straight on and saying 'This is not inevitable. This is preventable'.'
Metro
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gail Porter wows with wig transformation 20 years after alopecia diagnosis
Gail Porter has been showered with compliments from fans after stepping out wearing a wig. The Scottish TV personality began losing her hair to alopecia – a condition that causes hair loss or baldness in some or all areas of the body – in 2005. Several years later, her lashes and brows began growing back, and she sported a short, cropped look. However, in 2010, the former model revealed that she had started losing her hair once more, and the following year, she unveiled a shaved head again. Gail, 54, has always refused to wear a wig or hairpieces to conceal her baldness, having been keen on raising awareness of alopecia. However, in recent years, she's started to experiment more, and last year, she unveiled a mid-length blonde wig to her followers. Then, last night, she rocked a dramatic new look, heading to the British LGBT Awards with long locks. The ceremony has been held annually since 2014 and is a huge moment in the LGBTQ+ community's calendar, with the likes of Jade, Billy Porter, and Ian 'H' Watkins receiving trophies this time. Ahead of walking the red carpet, Gail took to Instagram to debut her blonde tresses, which she wore in waves as they cascaded down past her waist. She tagged Amber Jean Rowan in the caption, thanking the wig maker – who has also made wigs for Strictly's Amy Dowden after her cancer treatment. Taking to the comments, her 81,000 followers were keen to heap praise on her, with some having to do a double-take to make sure it was really her. 'Stunning 😍😍 Gawjeeeeus 😍😍', commented @mcchalkiewhite. 'Wow Gail. Beautiful with it and Beautiful without it', wrote @christine_anne_garstin. 'Gail you look amazing 😍😍😍', complimented @tinabear1969. 'Wow had to look twice 👏 looks really good 👍', wrote @neilcornish13. Gail removed her wig for the event itself, posing proudly on the carpet alongside some of the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ talent and allies. The former children's television presenter got her first wig in 20 years in January 2024, which she debuted on social media. She wrote at the time: 'First wig ever!! Well, one that's coming home with me and the cat! Made with so much love and care ❤️Thank you so so much to everyone at @amberjeanshop Adore my new hair! X' Speaking previously about losing her hair, the ex-Celebrity Big Brother housemate explained to Metro that she was forced to sleep on benches when work dried up as a result of her refusing to wear a wig. Gail found that TV shows were only interested in booking her if she would talk about 'being bald', which also came while going through her divorce with her former husband and Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave. As her situation worsened in the mid-00s, Gail was unable to make ends meet as she became 'more and more depressed'. When appearing on the BBC Access All Podcast in August 2023, Gail also explained that work dried up very rapidly. 'It was so quick,' she said. 'I had long blonde hair, and then four weeks later I was completely bald. 'People didn't want to go near me for television or anything because I looked different.' More Trending Last year, she was also praised for taking on her first photoshoot in a wig, with Sue Schilling, the chief executive of Alopecia UK, saying it is key to give people options as there is neither a 'right' nor a 'wrong' way to have alopecia. Gail added to The Sun at the time: 'I don't think I'm a role model, but if me being bald or me wearing a wig gives someone the confidence to go and try it for themselves, I'm glad. 'I like the fact that women and men talk to me about hair loss.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
