Toby Lee Smith was born in Newcastle in 1970. He was a caring, giving, kind passionate person as well as a talented musician and graphic designer. He was much loved by his family and friends.
For reasons unknown, Toby took his own life in 2005. The devastating effect of his suicide on his family and friends has left them grieving and wondering why he did not speak to someone before taking such a final step.
Lifeline Hunter Central Coast, with the blessing of Toby's family have established the Toby Fund to inform and educate the community about suicide.
Lifeline takes seriously the need to educate our volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters, Personal Counsellors and the community in general about what we can do to identify a person at risk of suicide.
Our suicide prevention training educates participants to reach out and offer support to people who are at risk of suicide and offer hope at this difficult time. Subsequently they can refer people at risk to the Life Matters program at Lifeline and/or link them with other community services.
We thank Toby's family for sharing their beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson with us.
Donations or funds raised for the Toby Fund are used in three ways:
You may...
"You really did save my life tonight. I was very very close to doing something silly."
"I thought no one could help me and I felt so desperate,
but talking to someone was the first step to getting my life back."
"The perspective offered in my lowest moments,
gave me the strength to continue at moments when I could otherwise have given up."
