04 Apr 2023
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: founder of mental health awareness charity It’s OK To Say Stacey Turner.
Do you ever Google yourself?
I don’t, however my daughters do! Since appearing on TV, I have been hacked both personally and professionally and it has taken a long time to recover from. I have also been on the receiving end of mean-spirited harassment and stalking. I am super careful about what goes online in protection for the girls and I.
Who was your first best friend?
My cousin Kylie in Australia was always my first best friend. With only 11 months between us, we pretty much grew up in each others pockets. We would stay awake and talk for hours and try to plan our future to include the what ifs! Of course that makes me giggle now. Kylie always had a way of showing me a better way of doing things and I think I just adored her acceptance and patience.
What TV did you watch as a child?
Kylie and I would race home from school and watch Neighbours (Charlene and Scott). We liked Home and Away too, yet Neighbours was our favourite. I went to school with the very first Toby in Neighbours, he went out with a very good friend of mine for a while! Oh and Young Talent Time on a Saturday night was always a must.
Were you well behaved at school?
Hmmm, I was, yet I was also easily distracted because I like a giggle! I was studious, but always had to study hard for everything. Often, my teachers would sit me at the front of the class so I couldn’t turn around. Most days, I would go home, retreat to my bedroom and go over everything (again) even before starting my homework. I was once suspended in secondary school because a girl lashed out at me, even the school was mortified they had to suspend me!
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger yourself some advice, what would it be?
Know that you can’t be everything to everyone. Focus on the things you can control and be grateful for those who want to be in your life. Reject judgement instantly! YOUR health and well-being is your greatest wealth and asset. Invest in yourself and never feel guilty for that. Know it’s OK not to be OK. Validate your feelings and know you can ask for support.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
Can I have three? Local cover band, The Desert Penguins. We recorded a track together in 2020 to bring comfort to people. Princes to Kings, a young band of two brothers who I have interviewed and last, but certainly not least, ENTER : SHIKARI who I hope to interview!
What’s your favourite pub in St Albans?
It has got to be Dylans on George Street. It’s soooooo good! Got to add in here that my favourite breakfast spot is TOAST on Waddington Road!
Dogs or cats?
Both! In fact, we love animals, my daughter is even into horses! Very sadly, our cat died in January this year. It was so sad, I was in Australia at the time. We have a gorgeous toy poodle named Teddy. He is almost four and is so loving and affectionate and loves to be carried around.
What super power would you like to have?
The ability to zap myself between places in an instant! It would be wonderful to be able to zap myself between Australia and England. On my recent trip out, I discovered my 13 year old nephew is already towering over me. OK, OK, that’s not hard, but it made me realise how much we’ve all missed out on during the last five years.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
Dr Nathaniel Cotton is buried in St Peter’s Church cemetery just up from my office. He’s an 18th century poet and doctor who was a pioneer in mental health. He is celebrated for his enlightened approach to mental health care for that time. Dr Cotton established a sympathetic asylum, “Collegium Insanorum”, literally “a college for the insane”, on the corner of what is now College Street – named after his institution – and Lower Dagnall Street, St Albans. I remain truly grateful and honoured to have been asked to unveil this special plaque commemorating Dr Nathaniel Cotton.
