Courtney Hendriewolstencroft

20 Talk 20 Hours

I'm excited (and a little nervous!) to share that on 5/9/2026 I'll be taking part in 20 Talk's 20Hours challenge.

For 20 hours, I'll be sitting alone in a 2x2 metre square in complete silence with nothing but a swag, a chair, a journal and a bottle of water. No phone. No music. No distractions. No talking. Just me and my thoughts.

This challenge is about more than seeing how long I can sit in silence. For me, it's deeply personal.

Mental health has touched every part of my life. I've experienced my own struggles and know what it's like to feel overwhelmed, isolated and to wonder if things will ever get better. I've also seen the impact mental illness has on families, friends and communities, and as a nurse I've cared for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Those experiences have shown me just how important it is that people have access to support, feel safe asking for help, and know they're never alone.

No one should have to reach breaking point before they receive the help they need.

That's why I'm taking on this challenge and why I'm aiming to raise $1,000 for 20 Talk. Their mission is to empower young Australians aged 18–30 with practical mental health education, tools and support, helping people build resilience, have meaningful conversations and seek help early.

If you know me, you'll know that sitting still and staying silent for 20 hours will be a challenge in itself but if it helps raise awareness and supports even one person to reach out for help, it'll be worth every minute.

If you're in a position to donate, no matter how big or small, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every dollar goes towards helping more young Australians access the mental health support and education they deserve.

Thank you so much for supporting me and this cause that means so much to me. I'll keep you all updated throughout the challenge, and I can't wait to share the experience with you. 🖤

20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health.