Since January 1999, there has been an alarming increase in suicides and suicide attempts in the Australian-Lebanese community. This community has been left devastated by the senseless loss of loved ones and is in dire need of help and support.

Suicide is a complex problem that needs to be exposed, understood and prevented. It is clear that suicide is a result of underlying issues that today's community is faced with.

The Australian-Lebanese community needs to come together. Parents and children need to bridge the cultural and communication gap. More importantly they need to recognise and accept that life today can be difficult but not hopeless. There are positive solutions for those who reach out.

Friends With Hope is devoted to reaching out to the community and offering hope and support. Through our website, community and church groups, we will be raising funds which will go towards increasing suicide awareness, education and the establishment of a recognized HELP facility.

George Boutros is a young man who lost his best friend Robert to suicide. In coping with his loss and grief, George joined together with a group of friends to form "Friends With Hope" and establish "Robert's Charity Foundation for Suicide Awareness".

We have a long way to go, but together we can do it.

A word from the Founder

After experiencing the death of my best friend Robert to suicide, I have travelled a heart-breaking journey of grief, pain and devastation. My hurt has led me to begin the process of helping others with this complex issue.

The aftermath of Robert's death has shattered our lives, and everyday we are trying to come to terms with this tragic loss.

Through this turmoil and suffering, I have begun the daunting task of trying to understand suicide. But I cant.

Through this Foundation I have formed a team of friends to begin the task of learning what we didn't know when our best friend was unable to reach out to us.

Our foundation is determined to inspire hope and educate our community about suicide. We have lived the experience first hand and have suffered the side effects.

With the help and support of our families, friends and community, we can begin to branch out into our Australian-Lebanese community. It will be a huge task. Our ambition to make a difference for our youth and loved ones drives us to achieve this goal. A long road is ahead of us that needs to be travelled. Hopefully after the completion of this new journey we will have made a difference to someone's life.

So with the thought of Robert in our hearts we begin our journey towards suicide awareness, prevention and education in our Australian- Lebanese community.