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
$106.75
Matthew Crymble
$105.55
Shayne & Dana
For someone who loves a chat, 20 hours of silence is going to be a BIG challenge! Good luck, we’re all cheering you on! Such a great cause, well done for getting involved!
$60.28
Donna & Leon
Good Luck, you will need it haha!! Here is a donation to reach your goal!! Love Donna & Leon
$55.95
Heather Curnow
$55.95
Daniel And Lauren Schaede
$55.95
Lisa Keating
I believe in you… Grant isn’t so confident xx
$55.95
Susan Craig
Awesome cause Heather every little bit helps.
$55.95
Michelle Chamberlin
$55.95
Lisa Coutts
Good job H so proud of you x
$50
Emily Formosa
H, i can not imagine you not talking i really wish i could be a fly on the wall!! All the best you will knock it outta the park xx
$50
Ella & Corbin
Good luck Aunty H! ❤️
$50
Lisa Toughill
Good luck Heather, this will certainly be challenging 😊
$45.30
Victoria
Well done Heather. Can’t wait to hear you try to catch up on 20 hours of silence after this 😂😂.
$28.81
Kerri Grassby
Great cause Heather...good luck though teehee xx
$28.81
Kim Mccall
Good luck H xx
$28.81
Lauren B
$28.81
Melissa
Just an amazing cause. Very close to my heart.
$28.81
Cody Hazelwood
Good luck !!
$28.81
Mish
Go mum!!!!
$28.81
Kylie Uren
Good luck H It is going to HAAAARRRRDDD
$25
Wendy Mcgowan
You can do it Heather. Great cause ❤️
$23.81
Lyn
You are a legend
$20
Kylie Madden
Good on you H. Such a wonderful cause x
$20
Ken
Good freakin luck. Dont be disappointed if you dont complete it.
$20
Sam Dempster
$11.92
Fecker
You’ve got this, just keep ya gob shut and think happy thoughts. I’m sure TC wishes you’d shut yer gob more, but a few hours will have to do. Xx
$10
Most would go anonymous. I chose not to so you don’t ask for $ again. Not sure you can do it?