Author: Cindy Du
Written: 19 May 2026
Edited By: Jess
Last Updated: 19 May 2026
Helping break the silence around mental health
Mental health has always been deeply personal to me, and honestly, a huge part of why The Cuddle Club exists in the first place.
For me, that journey really began after experiencing pregnancy loss.
It was one of the hardest periods of my life. There was so much grief, anxiety, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion wrapped into one experience, yet somehow the world around me kept moving like everything was normal. I still had to show up, reply to messages, go about my day, and act okay when internally I felt completely overwhelmed.
What shocked me most was how silent those struggles can become.
You convince yourself you should just "get on with it."
You tell yourself other people have it worse.
You try not to burden anyone.
And before you know it, you're carrying everything quietly on your own.
During that time, weighted plushies became a real source of comfort for me. Something grounding to hold onto during sleepless nights, panic, sadness, and moments where everything felt too heavy. That comfort eventually became the inspiration behind The Cuddle Club.
So when it came time to choose another organisation to support, LIVIN felt incredibly aligned with everything we believe in.
We're so proud to have donated $700 to LIVIN, an Australian mental health charity founded in memory of Dwayne Lally, who tragically lost his life to suicide after silently battling mental illness.
What his friends created from that heartbreak is genuinely incredible. LIVIN has become one of Australia's leading mental health organisations, helping break down stigma and encouraging people to have conversations they may otherwise never have had.
Their message is simple, but so powerful:
It ain't weak to speak.
And I truly believe that.
Because so many people are struggling silently.
People who look "fine."
People who are still showing up every day.
People who are smiling while carrying things nobody else can see.
LIVIN's work matters because it reminds people that vulnerability is not weakness, asking for help is not embarrassing, and nobody should feel ashamed for struggling.
At The Cuddle Club, comfort has always meant more than just a product to me.
Sometimes comfort is a conversation.
Sometimes it's therapy or support groups.
Sometimes it's someone checking in on you.
And sometimes it's simply having something soft to hold onto during moments where you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or alone.
While our donation may be small, I know every contribution helps LIVIN continue creating education, support, and potentially life-changing conversations across Australia.
And to our beautiful community, thank you.
Every order, every message, every share, and every bit of support you give The Cuddle Club allows us to support causes that genuinely mean something to us. I'll never take that for granted.
And if you're reading this while quietly struggling with something right now, this is your reminder:
You do not have to carry it alone.
You are allowed to ask for help.
And you deserve support just as much as anyone else.
It ain't weak to speak ❤️
With love,
Jess