THE charity behind a school for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs in Basingstoke have been awarded government funding towards a new suicide prevention programme.  

Inclusion Education supports young people with mental health and additional learning needs via its two key sites, Inclusion School, in Jays Close, Viables, and Inclusion College, in Osborn Way, Hook, was one of 79 charities nationally to receive part of £10m in government funding. 

The programme, Project Iris, will offer help and support to young people from 11 to 25 experiencing suicidal ideation, thoughts or self-harm with a six week course that combines learning with green therapies.  

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Basingstoke Gazette: Inclusion Education's Marie Greenhalgh, innovation and director and Cheryl Edwards, CEO

Cheryl Edwards, Inclusion Education founder and CEO, said: "For many of us suicide is a topic still shrouded in stigma, trauma or shame – making it incredibly difficult to discuss in families, schools and the community, especially with training and specialist support not always available. Unfortunately, our inability to speak openly about these issues can sometimes exacerbate the situation. We want to change that.   

"Project Iris works with young people to better understand their thoughts and feelings, allowing them a safe, judgment free space to explore whilst providing strategies and plans to support their mental health. Each session combines learning elements with green therapies such as horticulture as well as support from our peer ambassadors, many with lived experience themselves."

The programme will also attempt to have a wider reach than the young people who take part in Inclusion, offering the programme packs and resources to schools, colleges and community groups in the area.   

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Cheryl Edwards added: "We want Project Iris to really have lasting impact. Every young person involved in the programme will be able to talk more openly about these topics, helping them to support others in their own community. Every year over 200 teenagers are lost to suicide in this country – it is vital that we change this."

Project Iris will be launched in April, with applications being taken from schools, college, support services, youth organisations and charities supporting young people.   

If you would like to know more or request an application form then contact the team at ProjectIris@inclusioneducation.org.uk.