Silence does not come easily to me….
I have committed to 20 hours of silent reflection with a group of 400 strangers on Sat 27th June. Anyone who knows me is aware that I like to talk - constantly. In addition, ever since we lost Barney I have filled my head with noise at all times - whether it’s a podcast, the radio, music or an audio book - I never allow myself to just ‘be’ as I know what I will then have to confront and reflect upon. But the time has come and if I can raise a minimum of $1000 for the 20Talk mental health project at the same time then it has to be worth the challenge. Some people will be reading this thinking ‘what’s the big deal?’ But I can assure you, for me this is going to be tough!! I have sponsored many friends and just as many strangers every year since I can remember (ask my tax accountant!) so I am hoping that now it is my time to be on the receiving end of donations for a worthy cause. Every little counts. Thank you.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
$215
Tammy Wood
$162.75
Meghan Cady
Bella - you legend…. The Coastrek team mate who quickly became known as “You Who!!!” because she knew absolutely EVERYONE we met along the way….. doing a silence challenge!?!? Love you. Can’t wait to hear all about it (after the 20 hours is done, obviously!) x
$106.12
Fiona Chambers
Good luck Bels! Amazing cause 🥰
$106.12
Freya Elliott
A great challenge for a great cause.
$106.12
Maggi Morgan
I KNOW you can do this. Good luck.
$106.12
Kate
What an interesting challenge. Am sure it will be a very powerful experience. And such an important cause. Well done you. Go gently knowing you are loved and supported by family and friends - near and far. Xx
$106.12
Jamie And Flib A
STFU for 20? So glad I won’t be there. I’d be in agony after 10 mins !
$106.12
Ben Goldsmith
🥰
$106.12
Chloe Falk
This is going to be a massive effort of self control for you Bels. Good luck and can’t wait to see you soon. Xx
$106.12
Margaret Casement
Go Belle. Your tongue won't know itself. But I'm sure you will crack this . Love mum
$106.12
Eleanor Monbiot
Wonderful cause
$103.72
Tim And Dee
So proud of you Bella.
$54.84
Sarah Vale
Can't believe you're really doing this 😳🤣 but best of luck!
$54.84
Ben W
Love you Bella ❤️
$54.84
Chris England
Good luck!
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Fran
Great cause Bella...
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Jody Green
Definitely outside your comfort zone. Well done Bels, a great cause.
$54.84
Glynis V
You are an inspiration.
$54.84
Victor Konijn
Good luck Bella, you’ve got this. Trusting it will prove to be a win-win 🍀
$54.84
Lisa Carmody
Wow Bella, this’ll be a challenge but if anyone can rise to the occasion- I believe you can !! X
$54.84
Lisa Matthews
$54.84
Digsy Barry
Love yah Bells
$54.84
Kath
$54.84
Taea
With you all the way Bell. Sitting in silence is the hardest thing to do 💜
$54.84
Chris Clark
Good luck Bels. Definitely a tough challenge but I have every confidence you’ll crack it. Such a great cause too xx
$50
Morwenna Lawson
Golly Bels, you do like a challenge. Maybe warn them you'll need a second notebook. And a third... Good luck darl! xxx
$28.43
Jane-anne Blake
Bella what a great cause … and 20 hours silence for sure a challenge you will rise to Good luck you amazing lass🙌❤️
$28.43
Liv Andrews
Great cause! Good luck Bella
$28.43
Sabine
Great cause Bells. You might even enjoy the silence 😉 Sx
$28.43
Me, Myself, I.
Let’s get this thing started!!!!
$17.66
Anonymous
$11.80
Andrew Dimovski
$11.80
Bridget Lynch-blosse
But we like you talking!! xxxx
$11.80
This is awesome, I don’t think I could do it! Good luck darling Bels xx