Who wouldn't pay me to shut up?
There's noting like a good cause - and this is exactly that. I'm talking about the mental health charity, not the 'shutting-me-up-for-20-hours' promise - but if that's what persuades you to part with a quid, so be it.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
$613.18
Dan R
$215
Angela Kamper
$106.12
John Loder
Do tell me when you start so I will not call you.
$106.12
Jane Bridge
A great thing to do for all those we know and more that we don’t. Best wishes from Croatia-see you on the other side x
$106.12
Ron Hoenig
$106.12
Roberta Kray
$54.84
Peter Jordan
$54.84
Leigh Highflyer Dwyer, Esq.
Just couldn't pass up the opportunity to shut you up.... Good luck!
$54.84
Noorya Ahmed
$54.84
Cliff Forrester
$54.84
Hugo Croci
$54.84
Addy
Nathalie is lucky to have you as her dad! 💛
$54.84
Micky Ringe
$50
Ben Hoenig
$50
Paul Rowe
I'm not even going to be here to enjoy him saying bugger-all.!!! 🙄
$40
Rosie
$28.43
Ian Fenwick
$28.43
Paul Griffiths
Bonne chance, vieux salaud!
$28.43
Nathalie Fenwick
I’m really moved you and mum are doing this 🥹
$28.43
Grace Carlon
Good on ya!
$28.43
Barb
Good luck and most of all, love to Nathalie.
$28.43
Juanita Croney
$28.43
Mr Crabs
Y’all have a beautiful family ❤️❤️❤️🦀🦀🦀
$28.43
Scout Durwood
Friend of Nathalie from Edinburgh. Mental health is a bitch. Incredible protect, and I am so happy to support!
$28.43
Lyn Fenwick-lawton
$25
Anonymous
$25
Saskia Fenwick
Shhhhh
$25
Olivia Ling
Good on ya Ian!
$23.50
Dennis Longmore
Good luck, Ian! I personally doubt you'll manage it.
$23.50
Bruce Boundy
Good for you mate!
$17.66
Gp
$15
Jen F
Your daughter is awesome
$11.80
Martin Harding
$11.80
Anonymous
$11.80
Tania Boundy
Go well Ian .
$5
For begging so eloquently , and for Nathalie and health,