Lost for words
Those who know me are already laughing.
I am a talker. I tell stories, narrate my own life to anyone within earshot, and laugh. Loudly.
So on Saturday 5 December, I’m spending 20 hours in a 2x2 metre square in Port Melbourne. No phone, no books and absolutely no talking.
Why? As a society, we’ve come a long way in removing mental health stigma, but the problem hasn’t gone away. Like many of us, I’ve watched people I care about struggle, and I know how much the right support can matter.
20Talk gives young adults aged 18 to 30 practical tools to look after their mental health before they reach crisis point. Every $200 puts one young person through their course. My fundraising requirement is $1,000, but my personal goal is $3,000, or fifteen young people.
Any amount helps, and sharing this page helps too. No pressure of course, but I’d love you in my corner.
El
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
$216.50
Charlotte Forwood
$106.75
Jenna S
You are incredible my friend xx
$104.35
El
One small step towards an important journey.
$104.35
Vanessa Mckellar
Incredible!! Good luck El! xx
$66.73
The Bishops
Great work El, good luck.
$60.28
Jessica Bengtsson
What a great cause! We will always be in your corner! The Bengtsson-Wilsons
$55.95
The Logans
"El, you’re giving up your greatest superpower for 20 hours! 😂 An incredible challenge for a cause that truly matters. You’ve got this! ❤️"
$55.95
Mandy
What a challenge! All the best and what a great cause. So wonderful xx
$55.95
Emma Urli
You are crazy but amazing none the less
$28.81
Anonymous
Good luck El- you're supporting an excellent cause
$23.81
K Ren
Go El!
$23.81
Holly Giulieri
$23.81
Jess Clark
Such a great cause, all the best!
$23.81
Michele Linossier
$20
Ra
Go El! 💗
$20
Anonymous
$15
Claire Jones
Great cause, El! You rock! xx
A great cause El - I hope you find the silence welcoming!