Project Iris suicide prevention programme relaunches

The second cohort of individuals aged 11 to 25 will participate in Project Iris – Growing Hope, a six-week initiative that provides support, safe planning, and scaffolding for mental health and wellbeing.

Led by a local mental health and education charity, Inclusion Education, participants will learn about suicide awareness and prevention.

The project is complemented by access to outdoor and green therapies like environmental crafts and equine activities, which help facilitate challenging conversations.

Members of the team, Hayley, Cerys, Maria and Fern the dog (Image: Inclusion Education)

Inclusion Education's relationships director, Marie Greenhalgh, said: "We really do urge anyone needing support to get in touch."

The initiative is especially targeted at individuals experiencing loneliness, isolation, suicidal thoughts, ideation, and self-harm.

Ms Greenhalgh added: "For us, hosting the Baton of Hope Basingstoke was such an amazing moment for us all at Inclusion Education – it really was inspirational to see the community joining together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and share in the message of hope.

"We want to make sure that this won’t be just one day in the calendar – but really does mark the start of our community approach to supporting mental health and wellbeing."

The project is supported by community lottery funding, which allows it to provide free assistance to young individuals in need.

Throughout the six-week course, each group will meet for two hours per week.

The programme welcomes referrals from schools, colleges, GPs, community groups, parents, carers, or self-referrals.

Project Iris mental health lead, Maria Webster, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer Project Iris to the young people in our community again.

"Having worked in both education and counselling services, I know the desperate need there is out there.

"For many young people attending Project Iris, acceptance is something hard to come by.

"The feelings of loneliness and isolation, of being different and not fitting in because of their mental health or experiences, can lead to a sense of disconnection to those around them."

Project Iris aims to cultivate an environment of calm, tranquillity, and acceptance where individuals can voice and explore their concerns without fear of judgement.

A diverse range of activities and group settings help participants reconnect with those around them, taking the pressure off.

Ms Webster said: "Our outcomes and feedback have shown positive results with most attendees finding a more hopeful outlook, better understanding of mental health and greater confidence in talking to others about their mental health and wellbeing and where they can go for help.

"This is such an important project that is really making a difference to young people looking for help."

For more information and how to refer to the project or make a donation to ensure it can continue, visit inclusioneducation.org.uk/project-iris-growing-hope.