Every year, almost 46,000 children between the ages of 10 and 19 end their own lives – about 1 every 11 minutes. (UNICEF 2021)
About Project Iris
Project Iris is a suicide prevention programme designed specifically for young people aged 11-25 who are experiencing loneliness, isolation, suicidal thoughts, ideation, or self-harm. Through a carefully structured 6-week course, we combine educational elements with green therapies to provide whole-person mental health support in a safe, judgement-free environment.
Launched in 2024, as one of just 79 charities nationally selected to receive part of the £10 million government funding initiative, we’re committed to making a lasting difference in young people’s lives.
With suicide rates among young people the highest they’ve been for 30 years* we’re helping to provide the support that’s so desperately needed, when they need it most.
Who we support
Project Iris is designed for young people aged 11-25 who:
- Engage in self-harming behaviours
- Feel overwhelmed by mental health challenges
- Need a safe space to explore difficult thoughts and feelings
- Those experiencing loneliness and isolation
We welcome referrals from schools, colleges, support services, youth organisations, and charities supporting young people.
Our Approach
Project Iris takes a whole-person approach to mental health support through:
“Every year over 200 teenagers are lost to suicide in this country – it is vital that we change this.” - Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield
Safe spaces for open conversations
We create environments where young people can discuss difficult topics without fear of judgement or stigma. Breaking the silence around suicide is our first step toward prevention.
Peer ambassador support
Our programme is guided by peer ambassadors, many with lived experience, who can relate to participants’ struggles and serve as positive role models for recovery and growth.
Green therapy takes root
Each session incorporates therapeutic horticultural activities that promote well-being, mindfulness, and connection with nature. Research shows that green therapies can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.**
Practical strategies and safety planning
Participants learn effective coping mechanisms and develop personalised safety plans to manage difficult thoughts and feelings.
Watch...
Growing Hope
Watch our animation that tells you more about Project Iris and how the programme can help.
Changing Communities
Project Iris creates wider community change that extends far beyond individual participants. We share our programme materials and resources with schools, colleges, and community groups, while providing specialised training for those professionals working with young people. When we start having open conversations about mental health, we’re reducing stigma and building understanding. These efforts create lasting networks of support that will continue to benefit communities long after our programme ends.
How to Access the Service
How to Access the Service
Project Iris launched in April 2024 and is accepting applications from:
- Schools and colleges
- Mental health support services
- Youth organisations
- Charities supporting young people
For more information or to request an application form, please contact our team at: Email: projectIris@inclusioneducation.org.uk
For Employers
If you or someone you know needs immediate support:
- Samaritans:
Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) - CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably):
Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight) - Papyrus HOPELINEUK:
Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 (9am-midnight) - Childline:
Call 0800 1111 (24/7) - NHS Mental Health Crisis Line:
Call 111, option 2
Who can refer?
Project Iris is open to 11 – 25 year olds who are experiencing loneliness and isolation, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation or thoughts, self-harm or suicidal attempts.
Referrals can be made by schools, colleges, community groups, charities and mental health and other services (as long as permission to refer has been granted by the young person/ parent/carer). Young people can also self refer.
To refer please complete and submit an application form to us at projectiris@inclusioneducation.org.uk and use the QR code to submit form online
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Project Iris based?
We currently run Project Iris across two sites Mencap, Greenfingers, Elizabeth Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6AX
Or Danny’s Place for Equine: Watley Farm, Watley Lane, Sparsholt, SO21 2FS
Can anyone take part?
Project Iris is open to anyone aged 11 –25 who is experiencing mental health needs, loneliness, isolation, suicidal thoughts or ideation. You can refer yourself onto the programme. We do have some criteria, but the Iris team will be able to advise you if it would be suitable for you.
Do I need to be seeing a doctor or healthcare professional to attend?
Project Iris is for anyone from 11-25 who might need some support for mental health needs. You can refer to the programme yourself, you do not need a healthcare professional to refer you
I’m in education and all of your sessions are during school time, how can I attend?
We are in contact with many local schools and often receive referrals directly from schools. Please let your school know that you feel Project Iris is something you would benefit from, our experience is that schools have been supportive of
attendance to Project Iris.
I’m already seeing a support service for my mental health – can I still come to Iris?
Project Iris is not an intervention; rather, it is a supportive programme and peaceful space to help you pause and reflect. This means you should be able to attend if receiving other services; however, it is always helpful to check with your support service if you are unsure.
How often do I come to Project Iris?
Project Iris is a weekly project. People attend their groups for 2 hours each week, for the 6-week programme.
How are the sites with regards to accessibility for people with mobility aids?
Basingstoke: Project Iris partners with Mencap to run from their Greenfingers allotment site in Basingstoke. The pathway is a little uneven and has a width of 1.0m There are some door thresholds encountered, but no steps.
The Greenfingers site has a fully operational DDA-compliant toilet on site, suitable for wheelchair users.
We are happy to arrange a site visit to assess accessibility and identify any adjustments we can make.
Sparsholt: Project Iris partners with Danny’s Place for Equine Facilitated Learning in Sparsholt. Danny’s Place consists of stables and paddocks within a farm site, there is a compost toilet on site. Please contact to discuss further.
Do I need to bring anything?
Project Iris is outside, so appropriate weather gear is recommended. However, we do hold parts of the sessions under cover. In Basingstoke at
Greenfingers, we can heat our outside space too in the colder weather. However, we still recommend appropriate outside clothing.
Project Iris is open to a wide age range – will I have to be with older or younger people?
Even though the project supports a range of people, the team will always try to create groups of similar-aged people to make sure the material is right for you.
I’m referring a number of young people from the same school – can they go together?
We want to make it as easy as possible for the young people referred to access Project Iris. If you are intending to transport young people together, please contact our team, and we will endeavour to arrange that pupils from your school can access the same session if appropriate to support with any transport needs.
However, we will take into account any information shared during the referral
process to make sure the groups work most effectively for the young people.
Do you help with transport?
As a free service, we are unable to help with transport. Young people must have a safe way to get to and from the sessions.
Can my parent/ carer come with me?
Project Iris offers small group support, with young people being grouped with similar ages. We do not currently offer any sessions which invite accompanying adults into session.
We recognise that coming to a new place might stir some uncomfortable feelings, it’s important to us to help however we can.
We’re happy to talk to you and your parent/carers to figure out what might help, maybe knowing they are a phone call away if you need them is helpful.
I really enjoyed coming to Project Iris – can I do the programme again?
Our funding is based on the structure of a six-week programme, which is repeated with new attendees each half term. In some circumstances, if our waiting list allows, we might be able to offer an additional placement if it is considered to be of benefit. It is important to note that we must prioritise new referrals. Should a return be possible, please expect to engage in similar conversations and repeat activities.