When Kahi Simon took his life at the tender age of 20, he was engulfed by an 'immense sadness'. His mother, Kelly Kay, remembers him as an 'empath' who always put others first.
'He used to go out of his way to make sure everyone else's health was OK,' Mrs Kay said. 'He took on a lot of other people's burdens. He would cry about their misfortune and felt compelled to help.'
This deep compassion is why Mrs Kay now organises the annual Kahi Simon Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. The event, scheduled for May 30 at NEX in Newcastle West, raises funds to fill gaps in the mental health system.
'This is what he would have wanted – to help other people,' she said.
Proceeds will support the Evolve Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub at Charlestown. Mrs Kay's earlier fundraising helped establish the hub last year, and its space has since doubled thanks to additional donations.
Run by the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, the hub serves all ages. It offers information, advice, support, a referral program, and access to psychologists, counsellors, and various therapies. Follow-up support is also provided.
A second Evolve hub has opened at Forster Neighbourhood Centre, also funded by Mrs Kay's efforts. The Forster hub holds special significance because Kahi sought treatment in that region.
'There was nothing up there like this,' Mrs Kay said.
Kahi grew up in Stockton and attended Newcastle High, but also lived in Forster. He died five days after being discharged from a 10-day stay in Taree Hospital's mental health inpatient unit, following a suicide attempt. He had been staying in Newcastle but relapsed and needed help.
Mrs Kay has become a passionate advocate for suicide prevention. 'These hubs were created from what we felt was missing when Kahi needed help,' she explained. 'They're somewhere people can drop in, feel supported, and be connected to the services they need without waiting.'
Kahi first showed signs of depression during his teenage years. 'In his last weeks, he was so depressed and sad,' Mrs Kay recalled. Touching videos of his life reveal a happy and loving soul.
'Even in his last weeks, I would ask, "Are you OK?" He'd say sorry and ask if I was OK,' she said. 'He was more worried about what it was doing to me than how he was feeling. He kept apologising. I often wonder if he felt like a burden.'
Kahi was born when his mother was 20 and had a good upbringing. 'I see a lot of him in me. I struggled with depression in my teenage years,' Mrs Kay said. 'When I had him, it completely changed me. I always think he saved me, but I couldn't save him.'
Kahi died by suicide in October 2023. Many who knew him could not comprehend his death, as his life seemed promising. Mrs Kay said healing is 'still an everyday struggle'.
'I'm slowly getting on with life. Fundraising is healing for me and keeps me going,' she said.
Tickets for the May 30 fundraiser are available through Humantix. Support is available for those in distress: Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
