Michelle Holiday

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

My why

My why. More than one in 5 young Australians rate their mental health as poor or very poor, and a staggering 98% reported at least one feeling of anxiety or pessimism in the past 12 months.

Nearly half of young Australians are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress – rising to 65% for those aged 18 to 25.

Distress levels are particularly high among LGBTIQA+ young people (77%) and First Nations young people (59%).

I’ve spent most of my career working in purpose-driven organisations – the arts, environment, education, and now Indigenous economic development.

Across all of them, I’ve watched what happens when people struggle and don’t have the space, words or access to help.

I’ve had my own seasons where things were genuinely hard. Harder than I let on.

When I look back, the thing that made the most difference wasn’t a resource or a hotline – it was someone being present. Someone willing to sit with the discomfort instead of rushing past it.

That’s what this challenge is, in a way. An act of presence. 20 hours in a 2-metre square is uncomfortable. That’s the point. It creates the space – literally – to think about what it costs to carry things alone, and what it might mean for a young person to know that someone is paying attention.

There is some hope. According to Headspace (another great charity), more young people are seeking support, and those who feel their mental health is improving point to better access to services, greater awareness, and reduced stigma.

Awareness matters. Funding matters. Conversations like this one matter.

If you’ve read this far, please consider donating. Even a small amount goes directly to support young Australians who are struggling.

https://www.20hoursfor20talk.com.au/fundraisers/michelleholiday

Cheers x

The yapper takes on a 20 hours of Silence Challenge for Youth Mental Health

I've signed up to 20 hours of no talking, no phone, no distractions.

just me, a chair, a swag, a journal, and whatever snacks I can fit into my allocated 2×2 metre square bit of floor in a warehouse down the road. (oh and 399 strangers)

it's called the 20 hours for 20talk challenge.

Mental health has touched almost everyone i know in some way – including myself.

Did you know that suicide is still the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 – 44?

And that only 2% of mental health funding goes toward prevention. That seems nuts. We’re barely trying to stop things before they get worse.

20talk is a youth mental health charity started by two young blokes in WA who lost two close friends within 2 months. They’re making mental health education actually relatable to young people, and $120 puts one young person through a full day program.

if you can spare anything / would love for me to STFU for 20 hours, hit the link below.

and if you ever need a chat, you know where i am. biglove.

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My Achievements

Fundraising page

Updated Profile Pic

Received 5 Donations

Reached Goal

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Vince & Gray

Super woman! Go go go!!

$106.12

Janine Lee

Happy to donate❤️

$100

Martino

Love this concept and good on you for signing up! X

$100

Michelle Holiday

$54.84

Greens

Great cause Michelle. Sending love x

$54.84

Keggies

Good luck

$54.84

Michelle Lindsay

$54.84

Michael Cheetham

$54.84

Angie Gannon

What an incredible challenge 👏

$54.84

H Fisher

Good luck!

$53.64

Ana

Good on ya!

$50

Kim Mcindoe

Cheering you on! You can do it!!

$28.43

Georgina Parisi

You are awsome Chelle, and I love hearing your voice but for this important cause I'll contribute to you stfu'ing... :D

$28.43

Pauline Futeran

SHHHHHH!

$28.43

Katie Hoskins

Very proud of you for doing this and that feels like a LONG time of silence for you!

$28.43

Jill

Love this x

$28.43

Andrea Coorey

Good on you Chelle! Very happy to support this great cause.

$28.43

Leanne Newsham

Great cause and good luck with the 20 hours x

$28.43

Joey

$28.43

Sash

Great cause! All the best love xx

$25

Malika Everingham

Great cause Michelle and such an interesting way to raise awareness!! All the best! Xx

$25

Anabel

I can’t wait to hea all about it 🫠😅

$25

Lara Redden

Well done, such an important cause xx

$20

Sue Kendall

Great cause Michelle.

Michelle Holiday

My why

The yapper takes on a 20 hours of Silence Challenge for Youth Mental Health

Help me reach my goal

Raised

$1,167

My Goal

$1,500

Select amount to donate

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

Vince & Gray

Janine Lee

Martino

Michelle Holiday

Greens

Keggies

Michelle Lindsay

Michael Cheetham

Angie Gannon

H Fisher

Ana

Kim Mcindoe

Georgina Parisi

Pauline Futeran

Katie Hoskins

Jill

Andrea Coorey

Leanne Newsham

Joey

Sash

Malika Everingham

Anabel

Lara Redden

Sue Kendall