Laura Grimsley

Laura is taking on the 20-hour challenge to support youth mental health and raise awareness about the importance of prevention.

My why

Mental health doesn’t always wear a face. It doesn’t always scream for help. Sometimes, it’s the quiet kid in class, the friend who suddenly stops texting back, or the teen who seems to have it all together—but feels completely lost inside.

This cause is incredibly close to my heart. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply mental health challenges affect young people—their self-worth, their relationships, their ability to dream. I’ve also seen the strength, resilience, and hope that can be reignited with the right support.

Young people today are facing more pressure than ever—from academic stress to social media comparisons to a world that sometimes feels too overwhelming. The statistics are alarming, but they’re more than just numbers. They represent real lives. Real struggles. And real opportunities to make a difference.

Raising awareness isn’t enough. Access to proper care, early intervention, and support systems are critical. But too many youth still slip through the cracks. That’s why I’m taking action.

To help change this, I’m entering a mental challenge, and every dollar I raise will go toward supporting programs and services that focus on youth mental wellness, crisis support, and long-term healing.

I’m proud to support 29talk because they’re doing the work that matters—on the ground, in schools, and in communities where help is needed most.

I truly believe in the power of community—and I know that with your help, we can bring hope, healing, and support to the youth who need it most.

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 $300 puts a young person through a two-day Mental Health First Aid course
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!