Why this challenge matters to me
Hi all,
I’m not usually one for big speeches, so I’ll keep this simple and from the heart.
Over the past few years, I’ve taken on swim challenges to raise money for youth mental health. While they’re physically demanding, they’ve also been incredibly positive for my own mental health — time to reset, reflect, and push myself for something that truly matters.
Mental health fundraising is deeply personal to me and my family. In 2001, I lost my brother to suicide after a long battle with severe mental health challenges. At that time, the system simply wasn’t equipped to provide the level of support people like my brother needed. While things have improved significantly since then, there is still a long way to go.
As I was considering this year’s challenge, I came across 20Talk — and it stopped me in my tracks.
Twenty hours.
A two‑metre square space.
No phone. No social media. No talking.
Just a blank diary, a pen, a swag, maybe a chair — and my own thoughts.
Surrounded by like‑minded people, all raising funds for the same cause, it felt like more than just a fundraiser. It felt like a challenge I needed.
Alongside raising much‑needed funds for mental health, I’m taking this on as a personal reset — a chance to step away from the daily race of life and really check in with myself. To reflect on where I’m at, my mental state, and what truly matters. To think about my amazing partner, my three awesome kids, my sisters and my mum — what they all mean to me and how they shape my life (in the best possible way).
Life is busy. Between work and family, it’s often non‑stop. I’m hoping this challenge allows me to come out the other side with a clearer mind, a fresh perspective, and a bit of a reset.
So, if you can — get around me. Support the challenge. Donate a little or a lot, and help make a difference for others who need it.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with you.
In order to raise funds for mental health charity 20Talk, I'm going to take on the challenge of sitting in a 2 metre square box for 20 hours with no technology and no talking. This challenge will be a small look into the day of someone struggling with mental health. All I will have is my own thoughts, a journal and a chair to sit on.
So why am I doing this?
We have all been touched in some way or another by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.
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)
I'm completing the 20 Hours for 20Talk to 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 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 we are preventing people from getting people into crisis in the first place.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post 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!
Love you Josh mate, well done... In memory of Adi Bas a true friend that i will forever remember his laughter, his antics and his cheekiness ❤️