In two days’ time, SJ local Theresa Churchill will confine herself to a 2x2m square inside a pavilion at the Claremont Showgrounds, surrounded by 249 others who she is forbidden from communicating with.
There, surrounded by so many, she will be totally alone with nothing but her thoughts and feelings to keep her company.
Because, Theresa has elected to take part in the 20 Hours for 20Talk challenge— a platform to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.
Founded by young people, for young people, 20Talk was born out of a deep personal commitment to tackle the growing mental health crisis.
With 98 percent of mental health funding going to crisis intervention and only 2 percent to prevention, the 20Talk founders want to change the narrative by focusing on proactive, relatable, and accessible support.
Their mission is simple yet urgent: to normalise conversations around mental health and provide the tools young Australians need to thrive.
“This idea was born from the hearts of two incredible men who saw the urgent need for greater support and awareness of mental health issues,” Theresa said.
“Their own stories—of family and friends who faced emotional battles—led to the creation of this event: 20 Hours For 20Talk. And now, I am proud to be part of it, pushing myself to feel, think, and empathise in a way I haven’t before.
“We are not allowed any technology, any books or items that could while away the 20 hours easily, as the point is that having mental health challenges is not an easy out. We are allowed a swag, a camping chair and a journal to record our thoughts if we choose to.
“With no distractions, I’ll experience a fraction of what many go through every day: isolation, fear, longing, and the desperate need for understanding.”
Theresa said she was inspired to take on this challenge by her three children who have faced their own various battles over the years.
“I’m doing it for my friends and family who’ve struggled in silence, too proud or too fearful to ask for help,” she said.
“And I’m doing it for people I will most probably never meet, those that have ever felt alone in their mental health journey.
“In these 20 hours, I will reflect on my own life, my decisions, and the people I love. I’ll think about the roads that I have walked, some I have run from, others that I am yet to discover, the roads that still lay ahead for me and my children.
“I’ll think about how, through these moments of personal discomfort, we can spark change—one small act of compassion at a time.”
Theresa has almost reached her fundraising goal of $1004, and said she is grateful to the friends, family and strangers who have already donated.
She’s hopeful that some in the community will also see the value in supporting this initiative.
“Every $120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course,” she said.
“It helps expand 20Talk’s online resources, reaching over 60,000 people and running large-scale, interactive events.
“With every dollar, we’re breaking down the harmful stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging young people to seek support before things reach a crisis point.”
To donate to Theresa’s campaign (which is listed under the name ‘Dexter Morgan’), visit: www.20hoursfor20talk.com.au/fundraisers/theresachurchill/20-hours-for-20talk–claremont-showgrounds
