Tara

My Why

Mental health has been a significant part of my life since my teenage years.

I’ve experienced periods of severe anxiety and have been diagnosed with PTSD. Even as recently as last month, I was still navigating an incredibly difficult period with my mental health.

That is why, on 5–6 September, I’ll be taking part in 20 Hours for 20Talk at Claremont Showgrounds.

For 20 hours, I’ll remain completely silent within a 2 × 2-metre space—with no phone, no technology, no conversation, and none of the everyday distractions we so often use to avoid sitting alone with our thoughts.

For me, this will be much more than a fundraising event. It will be one of the most personal and confronting challenges I have ever taken on.

I’m doing it because I know what it feels like to struggle quietly. I also know how important it is to feel heard, supported and able to speak honestly without fear of judgement.

The money raised will support 20Talk’s youth mental-health prevention programs, helping young Australians develop the tools, confidence and support they need to manage life’s challenges.

My fundraising target is $1,000.

If you’re able to donate—no matter how small—it would genuinely mean the world to me and help turn this challenge into real impact for young people who need it most. If donating isn’t possible, sharing my fundraising page would also mean so much.

I’m choosing 20 hours of silence to help create more conversations about mental health.