1000!!!
Hey everyone, we did it, we raised $1000! I am so grateful for how many of you have put your hands up and donated. It has really warmed my heart.Challenge accepted
On June 27th, I will be spending 20 hours in silence in a 2 x 2 m square, with only a sleeping bag, chair, and journal.
And a pen.
Why on earth would I do this to myself???
My personal story:
Mental illness has followed me my whole life, from my first psychologist appointment at 10 years old. I’ve had to learn how to continuously monitor my mood for signs of relapse. I’ve had to accept that I will be on medication for the rest of my life. And I have watched countless others suffer through mental illness, feeling helpless. Mental illness does not discriminate. Anyone could have a mental illness.
I don’t want anyone to suffer alone. I don’t want young people feeling helpless and unsure of how to get help. I was a young person who felt helpless and unsure about help, and I want that to change for the new generations.
20Talk
The charity running this challenge is 20Talk. They design educational material and courses for young people, to equip them with skills to manage life’s challenges.
Where does your donation go?
- $50: Goes towards reaching 5000 people with an online awareness campaign.
- $100: Awareness campaign to reach 8000 people.
- $200: Trains one young adult in Mental Health First Aid to help their peers.
- $500: Funds a school presentation on mental health for 100 high school students.
So why a 2 x 2 m square?
The small space represents the feeling of being trapped that comes along with mental illness.
This challenge will push me physically and emotionally, but I believe so strongly that everyone should be educated about mental health that I know I’ll be able to do it. Prevention beats intervention. A stitch in time …
It starts with you. Any and all donations are welcome and so appreciated.
Much love,
Chris xx
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
$106.12
Mum And Dad
$80.96
April & Ben
You got this! 💪
$54.84
Maryann Ezzy
Love you xx so proud of you
$54.84
Peter B.
A great cause Chris and one i wholeheartedly support too. Pete
$54.84
Christina P
Great cause Chris! Good luck 😍
$54.84
Rowan Radford
Fantastic work!!
$54.84
Mum And Dad
$50
Simon
$50
Maryann Ezzy
From Dad!! Xx
$50
Michelle Shen
$50
Marly
so proud of you xoxo
$40.59
Anonymous
I am rooting for you & the world is blessed to have you grace us with your life & presence
$33.87
Jesse Brown
$30
Tom F
$28.43
Tilly & Eddie Burke
All the best Chris
$28.43
Annaliese Eymael
you got this!!!!!!!!
$28.43
Chris Saleeba
$25
Emme?
$23.50
Liv And Emma
$23.50
Anonymous
$23.50
Anni Su
$20
Paulina
$17.66
Julianq Reis Souza
$17.66
Jessica Chandra
$15
Joel Berliner
Keep at it!
$11.80
Anonymous
$11.80
Anonymous
$11.80
Anonymous
Well done :)
$11.80
Nathalie
$11.80
Liv And Emma
$10
Joel Berliner
You go you good thing!
$10
Anonymous
$6.20
Namrata Shah
$6.20
Angelo Audish
$5
