IRIS FOUNDATION

In Resilience is Strength

Iris Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to prevent suicide by specialising in resilience-building initiatives, prioritising prevention over reaction.

Who Are We?

Iris Foundation is a not-for-profit committed to equipping people of all ages with skills and support necessary to navigate life’s challenges, promoting mental well-being, and creating a resilient community.

Established on the NSW Central Coast in 2006, Iris Foundation remains committed to working with people, businesses and partners to build resilience, hope and connections in our community.

Our Vision

A community united against suicide, where strength and support work hand-in-hand.

Our Purpose

To create a community where everyone feels empowered to face life’s challenges with courage, connection and a sense of purpose.

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.

Events

Raw Challenge Doyalson

 

Saturday 23rd March
2024

Looking for a fun way to support Iris Foundation?

Volunteer as an event helper for Raw Challenge

Saturday 23rd March 2024

Bonus – Free Volunteer run

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

Mental Health First Aid 8 August 2023

Resilience First aid Starter Training

Monday 25th March 
12pm – 2pm

Discover Connected Resilience with RFAST’s transformative 2-hour
workshop, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies
for fostering mental well-being in yourself and others.

$145 Per Person

Registrations Close 19th March 2024

BOOK NOW

Mental Health First Aid 8 August 2023

Her Mind Matters

Debbie gaunt foundation Dinner

Saturday 13th April 
5:30pm

The Showroom
Mingara Recreation Club
Mingara Drive
Tumbi Umbi NSW 2261

$99 Per Person

BOOK NOW

Resilience First Aid 1 August 2023

Mental Health First Aid Course

 

Wednesday 1st May &Wednesday 8th May 2024
9:15am – 4pm

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

$375 Per Person

Registrations Close 24th April 2024

BOOK NOW

Resilience First Aid 1 August 2023

Resilience First AID Blended Course

 

Monday 6th May &Monday 20th May 2024
12pm

RFA is a high-impact course that teaches you practical skills alongside the latest neuroscience of preventative mental health.

$575 Per Person

Registrations Close 30th April 2024

BOOK NOW

Mental Health First Aid 8 August 2023

Resilience First aid Starter Training

Thursday 16th May 
9:30am – 11:30am

Discover Connected Resilience with RFAST’s transformative 2-hour
workshop, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies
for fostering mental well-being in yourself and others.

$145 Per Person

Registrations Close 13th May 2024

BOOK NOW

Resilience First Aid 1 August 2023

Resilience First AID Face-to-Face Course

 

Monday 3rd June &Tuesday 4th June 2024
9am – 4pm

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 May 2024

BOOK NOW

Resilience First Aid 1 August 2023

Mental Health First Aid Course

 

Wednesday 12th June &Wednesday 19th June 2024
9:15am – 4pm

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

$375 Per Person

Registrations Close 5th June 2024

BOOK NOW

Resilience Training, Programs and Workshops

Iris Foundation facilitates a flexible range of resilience training programs, workshops and resources that provide skills and support to navigate life’s challenges.

Connections in School

Programs and workshops 9-14 years of age

Accredited well-being programs and workshops for students aged 9-14. 

Find Out More

The Resilience Challenge

Training for young people 15-24 years of age

An opportunity for young people to connect and build their resilience as they transition from school.

Find Out More

Flexible Training Options

Building resilience for adults 25- 90+ years of age

Cost-effective, personalised training and coaching support that fosters resilience in individuals, workplaces, groups and communities.

Find Out More

Our Projects

Click on project image to learn more

Because We Care Boutique

BWCB is a welcoming service focused on supporting women to dress their best and thrive despite adversity.

Click here to go to becausewecareboutique.com

Debbie Gaunt Foundation

DGF is on a mission woman feels empowered with the knowledge, resources, and support to be mentally well throughout her transitional adult years.

Click here to go to debbiegauntfoundation.com.au

Community & Women’s Business Network

CBWN is open to all women who want to network, make friends, learn, share ideas and support local business.

Click here to go to cbwn.org.au

Men’s Mental Health Committee

A newly formed advisory body is led by local people who are deeply committed to improving men’s mental health – particularly that of young men across the Central Coast.

 

 

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

Debbie Gaunt Foundation

Debbie Gaunt Foundation

DGF is on a mission woman feels empowered with the knowledge, resources, and support to be mentally well throughout her transitional adult years.

Click here to go to debbiegauntfoundation.com.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

Men's Mental Health Committee

A newly formed advisory body is led by local people who are deeply committed to improving men’s mental health – particularly that of young men across the Central Coast.

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.

Follow Us on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
17 hours ago
Iris Foundation

It can be hard to know how to support someone who has a mental health issue or whose wellbeing you’re concerned about.

The tough question is, how can you help when you’re worried about someone’s mental health? 🤔

Friends, family, and colleagues are a crucial and necessary support mechanism for someone going through a difficult time.

Take a look below at some initial signs 👇 Click on the link to read in-depth information and advice on how you can help 👉 bit.ly/3P8UOJD
... See MoreSee Less

17 hours ago
Iris Foundation

Helpful information for parentsBeing a behavior detective when working with children and young people is crucial. It means looking beyond the surface of their actions to understand what they're really trying to communicate. Every behavior, whether good or challenging, is like a clue that can help us understand their needs, feelings, and past experiences.

By being detectives, we can figure out why a child is behaving a certain way and find better ways to support them. It's about listening to their behavior and responding with empathy and understanding, which can make a big difference in helping them thrive.

1. Basic Needs: Children may exhibit certain behaviors (like wriggling or lack of concentration) to communicate basic needs such as using the restroom or being hungry, which can be addressed in real-time.

2. Developmental Stage: Behaviors can also reflect the child's stage of development, such as a teenager needing more sleep or an eleven-year-old's brain not fully developed for advanced planning, and may resolve as the child grows.

3. Nervous System State: Excitement or stress can affect concentration and learning. Understanding the state of the nervous system can help in calming or stimulating it to help students focus.

4. Survival Response: Children may exhibit fight, flight, or freeze responses to perceived danger, which are natural survival instincts. However, these responses can become problematic if they are the default reaction to minor stressors due to living in a constant state of high alert.

5. Coping Strategies: Children who have experienced trauma may use coping strategies that were once necessary for survival but are now hindering relationships and learning. Understanding these strategies can help provide alternatives.

6. Brain Changes: Long-term exposure to trauma can impact brain architecture, affecting areas responsible for emotional control, memory, and learning. However, these changes are reversible with a safe, stable, nurturing relationship.

7. Trauma-induced Thinking: Trauma shapes how children see the world and can lead to narratives about safety and trust. Understanding trauma-induced thinking can help in challenging negative beliefs and perceptions.

8. Child's Solution: Behaviors that may seem problematic are often solutions for the child in some way. By understanding the value these behaviors bring to the child, educators can offer safer alternatives more effectively.

Download a PDF of the flow chart and read more at: www.echotraining.org/what-lies-beneath-behavior/
... See MoreSee Less

Helpful information for parents
3 days ago
Iris Foundation

... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
Iris Foundation

What an amazing collaboration.We are so proud of our newly formed partnership with the Iris Foundation/Debbie Gaunt Foundation. Thank you to the Dawn, Sue, Craig & Alicia for our discussion around “Suicide Prevention”. Our alignment/purpose crucial for saving lives and supporting mental health particularly for women going through Peri/Menopause. We are excited to be involved in raising awareness & offering support to those at risk, and promoting mental wellness. Aviiana provides a wholistic wellness platform to help prevent tragedies and offer hope to those in need. It matters even MORE when you've experienced it firsthand🙏

Iris Foundation Debbie Gaunt FoundationAli Brahe-Daddo
... See MoreSee Less

What an amazing collaboration.
1 week ago
Iris Foundation

Photos from Because We Care Boutique Central Coast's post ... See MoreSee Less

Image attachment
1 week ago
Iris Foundation

An Easter Raffle supporting our project Because We Care Boutique Central Coast. Tickets available ➡️ www.stickytickets.com.au/rrp6x/boutique_easter_fundraiser_raffle_2024.aspx ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Iris Foundation

Great tips ... See MoreSee Less

Great tips

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Thanks for those tips!

Load more