Why am I doing this?
If you have known me for even just a few months you may know that I’ve been through more loss than most people my age. I’m unfortunately well versed in losing friends way too soon. A lot of them have been by suicide. I am also someone that loves to support mutual aid. If you’ve ever fundraised and posted on social media, chances are I’ve donated and reshared your link! Mental health resources are so grossly underfunded. I care so much about my friends and I don’t want to lose any more to their battle with mental illness.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 my Sponsors
$103.72
Steve
$100
Sara Pulford (bala)
Always admire your dedication and empathy you have for others.
$54.84
Jake
Bazinga
$54.84
John Snodgrass
Great work Alicia!
$54.84
Vicki Verdich
You are a wonder Leesh. Proud of you .
$54.84
Chris B
Love this 🙂
$54.84
Me!
Kicking off my own fundraiser! Let’s get it going
$54.84
Nick Z
$54.84
Morgana
<3
$54.84
Jess Cook
🤍🤍🤍
$54.84
Toni
$54.84
Mike And Sharlene Zeederberg
Enjoy the silence..... a great cause
$50
Rhys Thompson
I'm begging you to please make this 24 hours
$50
Claire
Sending so much love to you xxx thank you for all you do
$50
Atef
Good luck 🥺🥺🥺 proud of you!
$45
Nina Zivotic
$39.32
Kate Gillespie
Absolute Legend
$28.43
Anonymous
$28.43
Scott
$28.43
Caitlin G
Go Alicia!
$23.50
James Dale
Amazing work Alicia
$10
Natasha Skvorc
♥️
