IRIS FOUNDATION

Fostering HOPERESILIENCE 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

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.

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.

Find Out More

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.

Find Out More

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.

Find Out More

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

Debbie Gaunt Foundation

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.

Events

Resilience First AID Course

 

Monday 1st May &Monday 22nd May 2023
8:30am -10:30am

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 April 2023

BOOK NOW

Resilience First AID Course

 

Tuesday 9th May &Tuesday 16th May 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 30 April 2023

BOOK NOW

Mental Health First Aid Course

 

Tuesday 30th May &
Tuesday 6th June 2023

9:15am – 4pm

The 2-day training will run over consecutive Tuesdays.

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

 

 

BOOK NOW

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

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

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

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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4 hours ago
Iris Foundation

Have you heard of Cool Connections in School? This program for students aged 9-12 is rolled out over 8 weeks, and focuses on the child's strengths and aims to increase resilience, develop social skills and so much more.

Check out the program and how it's rolled out below!
... See MoreSee Less

Have you heard of Cool Connections in School? This program for students aged 9-12 is rolled out over 8 weeks, and focuses on the childs strengths and aims to increase resilience, develop social skills and so much more. 

Check out the program and how its rolled out below!Image attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment
2 days ago
Iris Foundation

🌟We believe that every person deserves a chance at a healthier, happier life.
Your donation fuels our in-school programs, equipping preadolescent students with the tools to overcome challenges and build a foundation of mental well-being.
With your support, we'll expand our resilience training, empowering individuals, businesses, and community groups to embrace resilience as a way of life. Together, we'll strengthen hope and connections, and reduce the risk of suicide. Join us on this journey!
Link to donate: bit.ly/3oBkrIY

Our bonus to you! - Thanks to the generosity of WebAdjusted, every donor who contributes during the month of June will automatically go in the draw for a chance to win a fantastic $10,000 WebAdjusted Digital Giveaway package.
Find out more: irisfoundation.org.au/webadjusted/
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Iris Foundation

Reframing resilience in today’s world means recognizing that it is not just about bouncing back from tough times. It’s also about being able to adapt to change, finding common ground with others, and prioritizing our own well-being. The continual challenges we are all experiencing both locally, nationally and on a global level have left their mark.

Did you know that we offer Resilience First Aid courses? Find out about our upcoming courses here: reframingresilience.irisfoundation.org.au/
... See MoreSee Less

Reframing resilience in today’s world means recognizing that it is not just about bouncing back from tough times. It’s also about being able to adapt to change, finding common ground with others, and prioritizing our own well-being. The continual challenges we are all experiencing both locally, nationally and on a global level have left their mark.

Did you know that we offer Resilience First Aid courses? Find out about our upcoming courses here: https://reframingresilience.irisfoundation.org.au/
4 days ago
Iris Foundation

Do you want to be able to better support your staff, and your community?

You're invited to become a Business Wellbeing Investor, where you and your staff will learn preventative actions to reduce stigma and assist people in identifying mental health issues in themselves and colleagues - plus so much more!

Enquire today!
... See MoreSee Less

Do you want to be able to better support your staff, and your community? 

Youre invited to become a Business Wellbeing Investor, where you and your staff will learn preventative actions to reduce stigma and assist people in identifying mental health issues in themselves and colleagues - plus so much more! 

Enquire today!Image attachment
1 week ago
Iris Foundation

Did you know that you have the chance to win a $10k Digital Giveaway thanks to our supporters at WebAdjusted?

Simply enquire about our Business Wellbeing Investor program, or enter at one of our supporter events to be in the draw - it's that easy!

But hurry, entries close 30 June 2023!

More info: irisfoundation.org.au/webadjusted/
... See MoreSee Less

Did you know that you have the chance to win a $10k Digital Giveaway thanks to our supporters at WebAdjusted?

Simply enquire about our Business Wellbeing Investor program, or enter at one of our supporter events to be in the draw - its that easy!

But hurry, entries close 30 June 2023!

More info: https://irisfoundation.org.au/webadjusted/

Comment on Facebook

What a wonderful prize!

1 week ago
Iris Foundation

Just in case you needed to hear this today 💛 ... See MoreSee Less

Just in case you needed to hear this today 💛

Comment on Facebook

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

1 week ago
Iris Foundation

Did you know that mental health is the leading cause of sickness absence in Australia?

Learn more about how we can help you support the staff in your business, by being a Iris Wellbeing Investor!

Head to our website for more information.
... See MoreSee Less

Did you know that mental health is the leading cause of sickness absence in Australia? 

Learn more about how we can help you support the staff in your business, by being a Iris Wellbeing Investor! 

Head to our website for more information.
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