Introducing… Tough Times from the Heart

Tobin Brothers Funerals has joined forces with SPAN CV to bring greater awareness to suicide prevention.

3144 Australians died by suicide in 2021, according to ABS data.

From the 1st of January to the 30th of September this year, 549 suicide deaths have been reported in Victoria alone.

Tobin Brothers Funerals has partnered with the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network of Central Victoria (SPAN CV) to create a series of videos that help start the conversation about suicide, and how we can prevent it. 

Real Stories. Real Insight.

Tough Times from the Heart focuses on the lived experience of four individuals who share their incredible stories and insights with multi-award winning writer, presenter, producer, and journalist, Justin Smith.

Designed to reduce stigma around suicide and encourage people who are experiencing suicidality and those closest to them to reach out, Tough Times from the Heart is an authentic, confronting, and much-needed insight into the stories behind the statistics.

The videos give viewers insights into the experiences of those dealing with their own suicidality, their loss of loved ones from suicide, and how these experiences are being used to help others see themselves through tough times.

Meet the Speakers

Alannah McGregor

Since the tragic suicides of two of her children, Angela and Stuart, Alannah has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of suicide prevention and educate others on what we can do to help those who are struggling.

Alannah shares with us her experiences losing loved ones to suicide, and how painful the silence of others can be.

See a preview of Alannah's compelling interview:

Jed Zimmer

Showing a brave face in public, Jed struggled with crippling anxiety behind closed doors. He allowed his mental health struggles to consume him for years before reaching out, admitting he might not be here today if he hadn’t spoken up. 

Now Jed shares his story to encourage others to reach out and get help, especially those who are feeling suicidal.

Find out more about Jed's story:

Warren Davies

As a farmer, Warren’s struggle was intensified by the impacts of drought and the isolation of life on the farm. His mental health was further impacted by feelings of loneliness and shame.

It wasn’t until he reached out he realised that he was far from alone in his struggle, and his resilience and determination has earned him the title, ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’.

Preview Warren’s story.

Dr Skye Kinder

Dr Skye Kinder is a regional mental health professional who has a passion for showing people there is help for them and changing the way we talk about suicide.

 While Dr Kinder admits there are certainly challenges for those navigating support services, she also points out the importance of getting help sooner, to make that process easier and prevent issues developing further.

Watch Dr Kinder’s interview:

Tough Times from the Heart Premieres December 6th 2022

The Tough Times From The Heart video series will premiere on both the Tobin Brothers and SPANCV websites from Tuesday the 6th of December 2022, with the videos being released throughout that week until Friday, the 9th

SPAN CV is a suicide prevention network based in Central Victoria, whose key focus is around reducing stigma associated with suicide.

Their aims are to raise community awareness and demystifying suicide and advocate for support, prevention, awareness and education regarding suicide.

At Tobin Brothers, we are passionate about the prevention of suicide and initiatives such as Tough Times from the Heart and Listen Now are our way of showing our commitment to this cause.

Need more support?

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au