Silent September 2025

Why I’m Participating in Silent September

This September, I’m choosing silence—not because I have nothing to say, but because I want to stand in solidarity with those who feel they cannot speak.

Silent September, run by Heartprint, is more than a fundraiser. It’s a movement to support mental health services in Cambodia, especially for children and youth who are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. Every hour I spend in silence is a tribute to those whose voices are silenced by poverty, trauma, and stigma.

This cause is deeply personal to me.

My PhD research focuses on Cambodian children, and I’ve spent many months in Cambodia working alongside communities, listening to stories, and learning from grassroots leaders. Heartprint isn’t just an organisation to me—they’re family. Their work is grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and community-led action. They don’t parachute in solutions; they walk beside people, empowering them to heal and grow.

I’ve seen firsthand how mental health challenges are often hidden in Cambodia—not because people don’t care, but because they lack the safety, resources, and language to express their pain. Heartprint creates safe spaces where every voice matters and healing becomes possible.

Why silence?

Because silence is powerful. It reflects the quiet suffering of those who feel invisible. It invites reflection. And it reminds us that listening is just as important as speaking.

So I’m asking for your support.

Please consider donating to my Silent September campaign. Every dollar goes directly to Heartprint’s mental health programs—providing counselling, safe spaces, and support for children and families who need it most.

Together, we can break the silence.

Together, we can make healing possible.

Thank you for standing with me.

What is Silent September?

Silent September is Heartprint’s dedicated month of fundraising to support critical mental health services in our Cambodian community. Participants choose a period of silence in eight-hour blocks—and ask supporters to pledge donations based on the time they remain silent. Every hour of silence becomes a symbol of solidarity with those who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. 

We do this to stand beside individuals—especially children and youth—who may be voiceless in their communities. These are people whose pain goes unnoticed not because others don’t care, but because they lack the resources, safety, or means to express their fears, hopes, and needs.

Why Silence?

Around the world, people suffer in silence with mental health challenges. In Cambodia, that silence is amplified by poverty, trauma, and stigma. At Heartprint, we aim to break that cycle. Our programs create spaces where every voice matters, every mind is valued, and healing is possible.

How It Works:

Throughout September, we’re building an army of silence. Participants take turns staying silent for chosen timeframes, creating an unbroken wave of quiet unity across the month. While we remain silent, we ask friends and family to support our mission by donating.

Where Your Support Goes:

All Minds Matter – Offers one-on-one counseling with professional therapists from our trusted partner organization. These private, compassionate sessions help individuals work through trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain—promoting resilience and hope.

Circle of Strength – A therapeutic group for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls, empowering them to cope with the emotional and physical changes of growing up, especially in the context of poverty. This safe space provides tools, peer connection, and encouragement.

Fighting the Monster – For children living in homes affected by addiction, domestic violence, or other adversities, escaping isn’t always an option—especially when a family shares one room. This program equips them with mindfulness and emotional coping strategies to strengthen their mental wellbeing.

While people in every country face mental health struggles, Cambodians often have more obstacles to overcome. Everyone, everywhere deserves a voice—and with your help, we can be the change.

Join Us

To proudly enlist in our unstoppable September army of warriors, send us a message and we’ll provide all the information you need.

Together, we can break the silence by standing in it. Let’s blanket September in quiet and bring hope, strength, and healing to those who need it most.