On Our Radar: Talk20 and the Power of Honest Conversations

At Mode, we’re big believers in talking about the stuff that actually matters, especially when it comes to mental health. The messy. The vulnerable. The unfiltered. So it’s no surprise that Talk20 keeps coming up in our team convos, coffee chats, and clinic corridors.

If you haven’t come across them yet, Talk20 is a WA-born not-for-profit created by young people, for young people with one mission: to change the conversation around mental health. And they’re doing it in a way that feels real, honest, and actually relatable.

Photo credit: www.20talk.com.au

What makes Talk20 different?

It started with two mates who’d lost someone too soon and realised that talking about mental health needed to stop being awkward and start being normal. Their approach is refreshingly simple: peer-to-peer support, lived experience, and community events that get people connecting (without the pressure to have it all together).

No clinical vibes. No “fix-it” energy. Just real talk.

Why it’s resonating with us at Mode

We often say: you don’t need to be falling apart to ask for support. And Talk20 echoes that beautifully. They’re showing up in schools, hosting panels, running community surf events and journaling workshops, all with the goal of making mental wellbeing feel like a conversation, not a crisis point.

For us, it’s also about the ripple effect. We see it every day: when one person shares their story, others find the courage to do the same. And that’s how change happens.

How to get involved

If you're curious (or feeling that little pull in your chest), here's how you can plug into what Talk20’s doing:

• Check out their events. From storytelling nights to surf meetups

• Support their merch. It’s more than a hoodie; it’s a statement

• Volunteer or donate. If you're in a place to give back

• Follow their journey. Their content alone might shift your day

You can find them at www.20talk.com.au or on Instagram at @20talk.

We love seeing organisations like this rise up in our own backyard. It reminds us that healthcare doesn’t just live in clinics, it lives in conversations, connections, and communities like this one.

Let’s keep talking.

Love, Team Mode