Why I’m Sitting in a 2m x 2m Box for 20 Hours
On Sunday 28th June, I’ll be taking on something that sounds simple at first… but I think will be harder than people realise.
For 20 hours, I’ll be sitting inside a 2m x 2m space with no normal distractions and a lot of time left with my own thoughts. It’s called the 20 Hours for 20Talk challenge, and it’s being done to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.
Mental health is something that has affected me personally over the years. Like many people, I’ve had periods where things felt heavy, overwhelming, or difficult to process. One thing I’ve learned is that mental health struggles often happen quietly. A lot of people smile, go to work, train, laugh and continue living life while carrying things that nobody else sees.
That’s one of the reasons I wanted to be involved in this challenge.
We live in a world filled with constant noise and distractions. Phones, work, social media, responsibilities and pressure never really stop. Spending 20 hours in a small space gives me a chance to step into discomfort and, in a very small way, reflect on what many people experience mentally every day — feeling trapped in thoughts they may not know how to escape.
20Talk exists to change the conversation around youth mental health and put more focus on prevention, support and giving young people tools before they reach crisis point.
I’ve set myself a goal to raise $1,000 and every donation, no matter how small, genuinely helps.
If you’d like to support me or simply help support youth mental health, you can donate here:
https://www.20hoursfor20talk.com.au/fundraisers/mattallen/20-hours-for-20talk-sunday-28-june
And if donating isn’t possible, sharing this means just as much.
Thank you for supporting me and helping support a cause that matters.
– Matt
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
$318.90
Barry Michelmore
$162.75
Kye Hislop-dewar
Rip in brother
$162.75
Tim Rimer
Great cause
$106.12
Rene Curry
You are so inspirational and I admire your pure heart.
$106.12
Gav & Jen Lackey
Great cause m8, we’re with ya all the way 👌
$106.12
Claytan Lewis
Much love brother <3
$54.84
Daniel Vella
$54.84
Mary Mcmahon
Proud of u Matt x
$54.84
Matthew Peacock
$54.84
Daniel Peacock
You are doing good things mate. This is taking too many young people from us these days.
$54.84
Matt Saxby
$54.84
Streamline Building Services
Go hard bro
$54.84
Ronald Falzon
Good on ya Matt.
$54.84
Tim Roberts
What a great cause, Matty.
$54.84
Kurt Mclaughlin
Wishing you all the best with your challenge mate
$54.84
Paul Bentvelzen
$54.84
Christie Thornton
$54.84
Daniel Bracegirdle
Good luck mate. Proud of you
$28.43
Dan Pearce
Keep it up champ!
$28.43
Jonathan Sisovic
$28.43
Scott Sligar
Well done Matt!
$28.43
Sarah Bell
You are incredible!! 🫶🏼
$11.80
Louis Falzon
Great work Matt, very worthy and good choice for a cause. Good luck with the Challenge.
Absolutely on board mate! happy to help, metal health doesn’t discriminate Cheers Baz