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.

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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

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Primary Prevention of Suicide

Iris Foundation’s work is focused in the area of primary prevention of suicide, mitigating problems before they escalate.
We are dedicated to enhancing each and every person’s ability to survive and thrive.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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Events

Mental Health First Aid Course

Tuesday 31st January &Tuesday 7th February 2023
9:00am

The 2-day training will run over consecutive Wednesdays.

$350 PP for two full days training and resources and light refreshments.

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Resilience First AID Course

Tuesday 28th February &Tuesday 7th March 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 20th February 2023

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Raw Challenge Doyalson

Saturday 25th March

Iris Foundation is a supporting charity for this year’s Raw Challenge event.
Our role is to provide volunteers on the day for the registration desk and some obstacle supervision between 7am and 2.30pm.

If you have some time to give, please email Sue at enquiries@irisfoundation.org.au.

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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

Jan 18, 2023

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

Dec 19, 2022

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

Dec 19, 2022

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...