IRIS FOUNDATION
Fostering HOPE, RESILIENCE and CONNECTIONS to reduce the risk of suicide
Iris Foundation works primarily on the Central Coast of New South Wales to help reduce the risk of suicide by facilitating and supporting awareness campaigns, programs and partnerships which enhance community connectedness and well-being.
Who Are We?
Established in 2006, we are a grassroots charity specifically dedicated to the needs of our rapidly growing local community.
We are confident that by working together across businesses, community groups and with individuals, we can strengthen our community, better identify and support people in distress, and save lives.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to prevent suicide on the Central Coast.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to foster resilience, hope and connections in our community to reduce the risk of suicide
Primary Prevention of Suicide
We are dedicated to enhancing each and every person’s ability to survive and thrive.
Events
Resilience First AID Course
Monday 30th October &Monday 6th November 2023
9am – 5pm
RFA is a high-impact course that teaches you practical skills alongside the latest neuroscience of preventative mental health.
$575 Per Person
Registrations Close 24th October 2023
Resilience Survey
Iris Foundation is surveying resilience levels of young people in our community, with a strong focus to increasing our support.
We need your help!
Click HERE to take a 3 minute online Resilience Assessment.
As a thank you, your name will go in the draw to win a $300 gift voucher.
Raw Challenge Doyalson
Saturday 14th October
2023
Looking for a fun way to support Iris Foundation?
Volunteer as an event helper for Raw Challenge
Saturday 14th October 2023
Bonus – Free Volunteer run
If you have some time to give, please email Sue at enquiries@irisfoundation.org.au
Our Programs, Workshops & Training
Iris Foundation facilitates a number of programs and workshops to provide education and resources to support mental health and resilience.
Reframing Resilience
Resilience is an important mechanism in helping us to maintain balance in our lives during difficult or stressful periods, and can help to protect us from the development of mental distress.
Connections in School Programs
Cool Connections is a well-being program for students 9 – 14 years of age that helps participants develop their personal strengths and better manage their mental health.
Connections 2×2 Resilience Workshops
To help address those in need of additional support, Iris Foundation has developed Connections 2×2 Resilience Workshops for parents, teachers and community organisations.
Our Projects
Click on project image to learn more
Community & Women’s Business Network
Community and Business Women’s Network (CBWN) was founded in 2018 with a straightforward purpose – to connect women on the Central Coast.
Click here to go to cbwn.org.au
Because We Care Boutique
A service focused on supporting women who have, or are facing, adversity and are seeking to improve their lives and build their personal resilience.
Click here to go to becausewecareboutique.com
Tree of Dreams
The Tree of Dreams® is an annual campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention on the Central Coast. The campaign works towards heightening awareness of the impact of suicide, and increasing conversations about preventing suicide.
Click here to go to treeofdreams.org.au
Community & Business Women's Network
Community and Business Women’s Network (CBWN) was founded in 2018 with a straightforward purose – to connect women on the Central Coast.
Because We Care Boutique
Tree of Dreams
The Tree of Dreams® is an annual campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention on the Central Coast. The campaign works towards heightening awareness of the impact of suicide, and increasing conversations about preventing suicide.
How You Can Help
Iris Foundation recognises the strength in us all and is dedicated to creating positive differences in our community. Your contribution gives Iris Foundation the funding and support needed to fulfill our mission to reduce the risk of suicide in our community.
Donate
Donations enable us to do what we do best – fostering resilience, hope and connections in the community.
Corporate Support
Our corporate supporters are invaluable to help us drive change. Sponsorships are available at varying levels to suit any business.
Fundraising
Host a fundraiser or charity event. We welcome your ideas and support – from the classic mufti day gold coin donations to a group event.
Volunteer
Volunteer your time or expertise to assist with admin, fundraising, events and more.
Supporting Local Programs
Need Help?
Iris Foundation is dedicated to primary prevention of suicide. We don’t provide clinical services for people in crisis.
If you or someone you know requires urgent assistance, please click the link below to view services you can contact.
Latest News & Updates
Programs & Workshops CONNECTIONS IN SCHOOL
Certified Responders RESILIENCE FIRST AID
Women Supported BECAUSE WE CARE BOUTIQUE
Members Welcomed CBWN WOMEN'S NETWORK
Iris Foundation Year in Review 2022
Here is a review of Iris activities for the past year. Iris Foundation is proud to present our annual report for 2022. This report provides an overview of our activities and accomplishments during 2022 and is a reflection of all the hard work and dedication that our...
Debbie Gaunt Foundation Update
Founder, Craig Gaunt, attended the official opening of the new centre for Women's Mental Health in Melbourne October 2022: HER Centre Australia - Health, Education, Research. The Centre puts into practice already well developed world-first treatments and approaches...
Reframing Resilience
Shifting Gears Wyong Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank has approved grant funding in support of young people aged 18 – 24 years to learn critical life skills at an early age. Through development of our Reframing Resilience project, the Shifting Gears initiative...
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Postpartum depression and anxiety has by far been the toughest battle I have ever had to overcome in my entire life. And it’s still going. I’m 7 months into my postpartum journey and I can say with certainty that it is still a struggle.
Most days I don’t feel like myself.
Most days I don’t want to talk to anyone.
Some days I cry, more than I have ever cried in my entire life.
I am overstimulated.
I am exhausted.
I am burnt out from work.
I second guess everything.
I worry.
I have racing thoughts.
Obsessive thoughts.
Things I used to do don’t bring me joy anymore.
Most women don’t reach out for help because of fear of judgement, fear that they will be seen as unfit mothers, fear that people will misinterpret what they are feeling or thinking when in reality they just want a second to vent. I had only heard of PPD in passing before I got pregnant. Not one family member, friend, or any of my medical or birth team ever talked to me about it, what to expect, what it felt like, etc.
Most days it comes in waves. I go days where I am rational and my mood is stable and then I go days where I’m not.
I don’t know when those waves will calm themselves, but I know I will continue through this journey no matter what.
I just want you to know that if you are postpartum whether it’s your first baby or five hundredth, you’re not alone and my door is open without judgement.
988 is the suicide and crisis lifeline if you are needing immediate help
Many states also have Maternal Mental Health organizations and can be found through an internet search
#newmoms #youarenotalone #988Lifeline #youhaveapurpose
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It’s OK to be sensitive. It’s OK to feel a lot. It’s not always easy but it is ... OK
#itsokaynottobeokay #itsok #itsoktofeelshit #sensitive #feelings #emotions #acceptance
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CONGRATULATIONS!! 🙌 !
We welcome the newest recruits of Resilience First Aid Responder training delivered by our specialist resilience trainer, focusing on preventing mental ill health through resilience-building knowledge and skills.
What a diverse group of amazing individuals with so many meaningful, deeply personal and relatable stories shared that enhanced the learning even more. Each one highly motivated to contribute positive change in their communities, workplaces and beyond. It was such a pleasure to connect with you all.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
This material must be part of today’s school curriculum 😀
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🙌 !
We welcome the newest recruits of Resilience First Aid Responder training delivered by our specialist resilience trainer, focusing on preventing mental ill health through resilience-building knowledge and skills.
What a diverse group of amazing individuals with so many meaningful, deeply personal and relatable stories shared that enhanced the learning even more. Each one highly motivated to contribute positive change in their communities, workplaces and beyond. It was such a pleasure to connect with you all.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
My next to do course ❤️
A good looking group too!
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This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook