Claudia Gorton

As a mum, I think a lot about the world my children are growing up in and the pressure young people are carrying.

Mental health isn’t something that only affects “other people.” It touches families, friendships, workplaces and communities. I’ve seen and experienced how heavy life can feel when we don’t have the tools, language or support to talk about what’s going on inside.

As a parent, I want my children to grow up in a world where mental health conversations aren’t awkward or avoided, but normal, informed and supported.

Prevention is powerful. Giving young people practical tools before crisis and removing stigma can genuinely change lives. That’s why I’m taking on 20 Hours for 20Talk. Sitting in silence for 20 hours will be uncomfortable, but if it helps fund early mental health education and lifelong tools, it’s worth it.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If you can’t, even sharing this page makes a difference.

In order to raise funds for mental health charity 20Talk, I'm going to take on the challenge of sitting in a 2 metre square box for 20 hours with no technology and no talking. This challenge will be a small look into the day of someone struggling with mental health. All I will have is my own thoughts, a journal and a chair to sit on.

So why am I doing this?

We have all been touched in some way or another by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.

Structurally, the statistics are still alarming..

• Suicide still 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 to 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 cours
• Expanding 20Talk's online resources and 60,000+ social media community
• Running large-scale interactive mental health events

By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking we are preventing people from getting people into crisis in the first place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post 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!