Lozzie Ball

20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health

On 5 September 2026, I am participating in the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge, which will see me in a 4 sqm space for 20 hours with nothing but food, water and a journal. 

No phone, no entertainment, no talking. (If you know me, yes, you know I’m a yapper so good luck to me!)

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.

My goal is to raise $1,000 for youth mental health prevention work. Every donation helps provide education, awareness and early support to a young person who may be struggling.

I had my fair share of mental health struggles and know first-hand how life-changing (or saving) support is when you need it the most.

However, when I was a teenager, I wish there had been someone to say “it’s okay not to be okay”, “you are not alone” and “you will be okay”. Because of that lived experience, I will give 20 hours of my voice, my comfort and my connection to the outside world. 

In return, I am asking my family, friends, colleagues and community to stand beside me and help create a future in which young people do not have to face their hardest moments alone. 

Being a mother, I know that my children will undoubtedly face their own challenges, disappointments, losses and moments of uncertainty when they reach adolescence and adulthood. When that time comes, I hope that organisations such as 20Talk are still readily and freely available to support them or someone they know.

Thank you for reading and supporting a cause that may one day help someone you love.

Even the cost of a take-away coffee can help change someone’s life.

You can otherwise support me by sharing this fundraiser amongst your people and spread the message about supporting mental health.

If you ever need to chat, I’m always here.

With gratitude,      

Lozzie

P.S. I am dedicating this challenge to

- my children, who I aim to raise to be cool, emotionally intelligent, mentally safe and resilient people

and

- a dear friend of mine, who sadly had to retire from her long-standing first-responder career due to work-related PTSD. 

You know who you are x