From drug addicted bikie to Mental Health advocate
I was 12 when addiction got hold of me. From there it was gangs, bikie life and eventually jail. Through all of it my mental health was a mess, and for a long time I didn't have the words or the people to talk to about it.
Today I'm a counsellor, a breathwork facilitator and I'm studying at uni. I work with men and women who are where I used to be, fighting addiction, facing court, or just stuck and not sure who to turn to. I know how lonely that place is because I lived there for years.
On Saturday 5 December I'm doing 20 Hours for 20Talk in Melbourne. I'll spend 20 hours in a 2x2 metre square with no phone, no talking and just a journal. For someone who talks for a living that's going to be hard, and I reckon that's the point. Sitting alone with your own head is what a lot of people do every day without choosing it.
Every dollar goes to Mental Health Maintenance scholarships for young adults, so they get support earlier than I did. I need $1000 to get in the square.
If my story means anything to you, chuck in what you can and share it.
UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT | 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
$106.75
Embrace The Process Counselling And Wellness
$100
Blair Van Tovier
Lesssgo brother you got this
$55.95
Leanne Rowe
A great cause, good luck
$55.95
Myself
I’m backing myself for this!
$55.95
Robin Lee
Good on you Sam. Xx
$55.95
Ebony Velvet
I’m so proud of you and your journey and how far you have come and all that you are… Thankyou for being you, Thankyou for being there for me.. it’s an honour to know you I’ll always be in your corner… 🫶💯💚
$28.81
Jazz
$28.81
Tammy Coombs
Such a great cause Sammy
$28.81
Mirgan
Awesome work legend!
$28.81
Rick
Good on you Sammy.
$28.81
Paula Connor
Proud of you Sam, you’re an Inspiration.
$28.81
Jaide
$28.81
Narelle Adams
Great work ✨
$23.81
Theresa Flynn
Good on ya Sammy, you really are a beautiful soul.🦋
$6.20
Bec Gambrill
What a great cause! 💯 Good luck Sammy 👏
Get it queen!