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
$106.75
Mum And Dad
$59
Terri B
Great cause. Good luck Amanda.
$55.95
Jessie Collins
Love that you're taking on this challenge for a worthy cause Amanda. You are changing the world in your beautiful Amanda way. Proud of you xo
$55.95
Sam Bagey
$55.95
Nathanial
What an interesting and fun challenge! Wishing you all the best Amanda, and I'm sure you'll smash it! :-)
$29.96
Libby Hall-rodriguez
$28.81
Kristina V
$28.81
Deepak Kumar
$28.81
Gill Zica
$28.81
Michelle Bellairs
Fantastic work Amanda, such a wonderful cause.
$25
Jo Grech
You are certainly up for a great challenge Amanda - best wishes and enjoy the journalling! Jo xx
$25
Sui
Wishing it all goes smoothly and enjoy the peace!💙
$23.81
Sandra Cockfield
Well done Amanda
$23.81
Lucy
Good luck Amanda, proud of you xxx
$23.81
Anonymous
This is Amin Mantzavrakos
Well done on taking up another challenge for a great cause. It will be an interesting day but we’re sure you’ll make it a fun day and get plenty out of it. Proud of you xxx