Ashy

Sitting Still for 20 Hours

🌱 How It All Began

When I was 23, I reached out to Headspace, a non-profit organisation that supports young Australians aged 18–25 with mental health services.

That’s where I met Olympia — and I’ve never looked back.
Ten years later, I still see her, and I can honestly say she’s helped shape me into the person I am today.

The support I received through Headspace changed my life. I walked in unsure and overwhelmed, and came out stronger, calmer, and more in touch with who I am. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

In 2021, I decided to give back by shaving my head to raise money for Headspace. It was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done — a visible reminder of my own journey and a way to help others find the same kind of support that helped me.

💬 Discovering 20 Hours for 20Talk

Whilst mindlessly scrolling online, I stumbled across 20 Hours for 20Talk — and something about it stopped me in my tracks.

I’ve always wanted to do a silent retreat, but never quite found the courage. Then I read what this event was about: sitting silently for 20 hours to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

This wasn’t just something I wanted to do — it was something I had to do.

20 Hours for 20Talk isn’t just a challenge. It’s symbolic — representing the silence, isolation, and inner struggles so many people face when dealing with mental health challenges.

💚 Why This Matters

I’ve always been passionate about speaking openly and honestly about mental health. I believe we all need to get better at not just asking, “Are you okay?”, but also being ready to hear — and hold space for — the real answer.

That’s exactly what 20Talk stands for. Their mission is simple but powerful: to normalise mental health conversations and give young Australians the tools they need to thrive.

Right now, around 98% of mental health funding in Australia goes toward crisis response — and only 2% goes toward prevention. 20Talk is changing that by focusing on proactive, relatable, and accessible education that empowers young people before things reach breaking point.

In a world that’s constantly moving, scrolling, and comparing, reconnecting with ourselves — and with others — has never been more important.

🧘‍♀️ The Challenge Ahead

I’ve never sat still for 20 hours straight.
And I’ve definitely never been away from my phone that long — unless it died while camping!

Armed with a swag, chair, water bottle, diary, and pen, I’ll be sitting in a 4×4 metre square, in silence, for 20 hours — alongside around 400 other participants.

We’ll be provided with our own pre packed meals over the sit and have access to a proper bathroom (thankfully!). Beyond that, it’s just me, my thoughts, and a lot of quiet.

I’m not sure exactly what to expect. I’m going into this completely blind. More than nervous, I’m excited — to step away from the noise, challenge myself mentally, and reconnect in a deeper way.

🤝 How You Can Support

I’ve committed to raising $1,000 for 20Talk’s mental health programs — and I’d love your help reaching that goal.

Every single donation makes a difference. Your contribution will help fund workshops, resources, and programs that teach young Australians how to look after their mental health and build resilience early.

Here’s how you can support:

• 💰 Donate through my official fundraising page
  
  

• 🔁 Share this post with friends or family who might want to support mental health initiatives
  
  

Together, we can help make open, honest mental health conversations a normal part of life.