Iris Foundation

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.

Current mental health research identifies several protective factors that reduce a person’s risk of suicide. Accordingly, Iris Foundation’s work in the Central Coast community focuses on three key factors that contribute to good mental health – resilience, hope and connections.

Resilience is the ability to ‘bounce back’ – to recover effectively from stress, trauma and other significant setbacks. It is not an in-born quality and can be cultivated by learning to recognise and draw upon one’s unique strengths and abilities.

Hope is a belief in the possibility that situations and people can change. Retaining a sense of hope is vital to making positive improvements within individuals, families and the wider community.

Connections Positive connections with the people around us – family, friends, co-workers and others – are essential to navigating adversity effectively. Having a robust network of healthy relationships helps to create a sense of belonging, identity and personal worth.