IRIS FOUNDATION

Fostering HOPE, RESILIENCE and CONNECTIONS to reduce the risk of suicide

Special gift for October donors

Dedicated Iris supporter and keen photographer Nat Ainsworth is running a special ‘Little Ray of Sunshine‘ fundraiser for Mental Health Month! Everyone who donates to Iris Foundation before October 31 will receive a print-quality image to keep. Brighten your day (and ours) today!

‘Tune In’ this Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month and Iris has embraced this year’s theme, Tune In For Ten. Click on the image to take simple actions that can improve someone’s day – including your own.

Iris making a local impact

Click on the image for a short video highlighting some of Iris Foundation’s work to reduce the risk of suicide on the Central Coast.

With thanks to our friends at Treehouse Creative and Bendigo Bank.

Share a Box of Hope

Looking for a simple, unique way to let someone know they’re important to you? A Box of Hope can show them you care – and start a conversation.

QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer

Learn how to save a life. Free online training. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.

About 100 Central Coast locals gathered to remember those lost to suicide

Need urgent help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, timely care and support is vital. Click on the red cross to find the most suitable crisis contacts for your situation.

Touch Points: 21 October, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | October 21, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Don't forget to play We encourage children to express themselves through play because we recognise its importance to their learning, creativity and happiness. Why should these pleasures peter out after age 18? Remember that you are more than your job and the...

Touch Points: 7 October, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | October 7, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Play to your strengths Taking an inventory of your strongest skills and best personal attributes can provide a much-needed confidence boost when dealing with challenging circumstances. Reflect and draw upon the strengths that have helped you in the past. If that...

Iris among finalists for Regional Business Awards

by Adrienne Garside | October 1, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Iris Foundation is honoured to have been chosen as a finalist in Business NSW’s Central Coast Regional Business Awards for 2021.

Tune In For Ten this Mental Health Month

by Adrienne Garside | October 1, 2021 | Events, Fundraising, Mental Health Awareness, News | 0 Comments

October is Mental Health Month and the challenge Tune in for Ten is simple – every day for 10 days, tune into other people and find ways to give. Brighten someone’s day – that someone can even be you!

Touch Points: 23 September 2021

by Adrienne Garside | September 23, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Focus on what you can control It's easy to be swept up in feelings of sadness, frustration and outrage at others' words and actions - especially during a lengthy global health crisis. For the sake of your mental health, a more productive choice is to invest your time...

Tree of Dreams campaign heads online

by Adrienne Garside | September 16, 2021 | Events, Mental Health Awareness, News, Supporters, Tree of Dreams | 0 Comments

Due to current social restrictions, Iris Foundation's annual Tree of Dreams campaign, which coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, went virtual this year. In lieu of a public gathering, locals were encouraged to light a candle in remembrance and...

Touch Points: 2 September, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | September 2, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Examine your old beliefs Unhelpful beliefs about ourselves can significantly dent our mental health, life outcomes and relationships with other people. When such thoughts arise, acknowledge them and put them aside. Like any new practice, it takes time and effort to...

Touch Points: 19 August, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | August 19, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Before you react, STOP The next time something (or someone) tests your patience, remember to STOP: S - Stop what you're doing or saying T - Take a couple of slow, deep breaths, focusing on the exhale O - Observe your thoughts and emotions; acknowledge them as present...

Touch Points: 5 August, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | August 5, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Listen to your body (and mind) The Olympics have been a reminder that even elite athletes have their limits. And sometimes the best course of action is to take a break. Even if it's just for a few minutes, stepping away from a tense discussion, an overwhelming...

Touch Points: 22 July, 2021

by Adrienne Garside | July 22, 2021 | Mental Health Awareness, News, Newsletters | 0 Comments

Choose kindness It is easy to become attached to being 'right', especially in stressful circumstances. Yet choosing to speak kindly and give other people the benefit of the doubt is one of the easiest ways to connect and diffuse tension. You never know the positive...