Iris the Dragon Overview 

Over the last 20 years, the Iris the Dragon has developed tools and products to help people better understand mental health conditions, reduce the associated stigma and encourage social inclusion and participation of those living with mental health conditions in all aspects of society.

Iris the Dragon specializes in creating innovative ways to deliver key psychoeducational messages about mental health for both the caregiver and the individual with the condition. The Iris the Dragon Charity was one of the first to use the creative medium of storytelling to address mental health in Canada and has been recognized for its innovation through awards such as The Royal Ottawa’s Inspirational Award for Leader in Mental Health. All of the books have been vetted and endorsed by leading experts in the mental health field. In addition, we are part of the Opening Minds Group of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and an empirical study was completed by them on the effectiveness of the Iris the Dragon tools demonstrating significant attitude changes to social distancing.

Highlights

• Produced 6 bilingual, medically-endorsed, children’s mental health print and eBooks that have reached over 4 million readers.

• Produced a Units of Study guide used by teachers in regions throughout North America. 

• Earned The Royal's Inspiration Award 2016, Leader for Mental Health (Gayle Grass).

Recently, produced the IncludeMe app project that raises awareness of persons with mental health conditions within the employer community and helps employers prepare the workplace for the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Mission/Vision Statements

Vision: A better understanding of mental health and improved mental wellness at home, school, work, and within the community.

Mission: To develop tools and products to help educate individuals, families, professionals and the community about mental health and wellness. 

Objectives

Iris the Dragon’s objectives are to:

1. Deconstruct academic mental health and wellness research - extract and simplify the essential principles and information for public consumption.
2. Use narrative and storytelling to educate, change perceptions, attitudes and behaviours, and promote mental health and wellness.
3. Develop SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) innovative, low-cost, high-impact products/tools that create the conditions for better mental health and wellness at home, school, work, and within the community. 
4. Continue to work with mental health professionals to ensure products/tools reflect current mental health knowledge.
5. Connect and collaborate with partner organizations to share knowledge and expand the reach of our efforts to improve mental health and wellness. 
6. Operate as a professional charity with sustainable funding.