grace chapman

Thank you for being here

Thank you for taking the time to be here. I’m taking part in the 20 Hour Challenge run by 20Talk. 20Talk is a youth mental health organisation dedicated to breaking stigma, starting conversations, and providing practical education and early intervention for young people. 

Mental health has always been something that me and many of my loved ones have had to think about every day. But in the era of modern technology and busy lives, there’s not a lot of time to really consider what mental health means, and what its maintenance looks like.

There seems to be even less time to think about youth mental health, and its impact across communities. Young people today are navigating pressures that are constant, visible, and amplified. It’s easy to forget how formative those years are, and how much support truly matters. 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)

For 20 hours, I’ll step away from technology, conversation, and distraction. Sitting in a small physical space to create an even bigger mental one. To consider what mental health really means, and why supporting youth mental health matters. 20 hours is a good start. 20 hours of reflection, consideration, introspection and mindfulness. Only 20 hours compared to what ongoing mental health struggles can feel like for a young person without the right support.

If you’re in a position to donate, I would be incredibly grateful. Your support will help fund programs, resources, and services that make a tangible difference in young people’s lives.

Your 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, 20Talk are equipping communities with the tools to support youth before they reach a crisis point. If you can’t donate, I hope this encourages you to take even 20 minutes to check in with yourself or someone you care about.

Because mental health deserves more than spare time, it deserves intention.