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.
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.
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
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
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.
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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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!
🌟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/
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/
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!
Speak with a Therapist Online
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/
What a wonderful prize!
Just in case you needed to hear this today 💛
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Carers play such an important role in recovery, and healing by supporting those experiencing mental distress. check this opportunity out by SANE Australia
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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.
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.
