20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health.
I’m taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge which will see me sitting in a 2×2 metre square in a warehouse, alongside 400 other participants, with no talking and no technology for 20 hours. All I’ll have are the essentials I bring with me: a chair, sleeping mat, journal, water, and food. No distractions.
This challenge is a small glimpse into the isolation and struggle that someone with mental health challenges might feel every day. I know it will be tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally - but it’s a challenge I’m taking on to stand in solidarity with those navigating these experiences.So why am I doing this?
We have all been touched in some way by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.
Structurally, the statistics are still alarming:
- Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-44.
- Only 2% of mental health funding goes towards prevention (Mental Health Commission 2022).
I’m completing the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge to help turn these statistics around. Your contribution goes towards 20Talk’s relatable prevention campaigns. They are a mental health charity that makes education cool and accessible, for young people by young people. Your generous donations go towards:
- Every $120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course
- Expanding 20Talk’s online resources and 60,000+ social media community
- Running large-scale interactive mental health events'
What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintence (MHM) is a free, one-day workshop designed with industry experts to help individuals better understand and engage with different areas of their wellbeing, as well as learn effective ways to monitor them. MHM is designed to support people by equippig them with the knowledge and tools to maintai their mental wellbeing before reaching crisis point. By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking, this workshop hopes to prevent people from reaching crisis in the first place. To learn more, please visit www.20talk.com.au.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for donating to the cause. Hopefully this small challenge can help change someone’s life.
If you ever need to chat, I’m always here. Love you all and thanks again!
Thank you to our Sponsors
$529
Annie Crawford
$127
Tony Mansfield
Good luck Laura and Max; with all the sitting practise you’ve done you’ll walk it!! Sounds quite beautiful to me!
$106
Max's Solitary Confinement Probation Officer
You can do it, you masochistic mountain man!
$106
Martin Shadbolt
$106
Harry Baird
Go well x
$106
All About Raising Our Next-gen
Pretty sure I went to a rave in that warehouse in the 90s. Definitely no silence or self-reflection involved. Great cause, supported by great people.
$106
Maximillian
Getting me to sit in silence has always been your goal!
$106
Thomas Crawford
Mums the word.
$100
Terence Crawford-smith
Good luck “shooshing” for mental health Maxie
$100
Justin Gleeson
$55
It’s All In The Mind
$55
Sarah & Ben
$55
Josh Doolan
$55
Greg & Jane Borland
Nice one Laura
$55
N K
❤️
$55
Eve Crawford
So proud of you Maxie!!!!
$55
Janna And Jesse Buckingham
Way to go Maxie!
$55
Matthew Tom
$55
Andrew Gabriel
$50
Aurelien
Piece of cake for you Laura!
$28
John Alexander
Good luck!
$28
Anonymous
One up on Max!
$28
Kimmy Bruce | Soul Release
Laura 🤍 What you’re doing is incredibly powerful. Thank you for helping bring awareness to the silent battles so many people face every day. 20 hours of silence takes real strength, courage and heart. Proud to support you and this beautiful cause.
$25
Lily Crawford
Good luck Maxi. You got this
$20
Paul Royston
This is a great cause Laura. Well done for taking part and raising awareness of youth mental health issues. Paul
$12
Geoffrey Emerson
I could do this
Great cause Maxie and Laurel