Look out for the orange button for support with suicidal thoughts

Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council together with the local NHS partners have adopted The Orange Button Community Scheme. The Orange Button is worn by people who have relevant training in mental health and suicide prevention. Now trained individuals will be able to make their skills available to help those in need.

The aim of the scheme is to create a community of Orange Button wearers who people can turn to. Orange Button wearers are there to listen, signpost to local support and help reduce stigma by talking openly about suicide.

Anyone across Herefordshire and Worcestershire who has had at least 3 hours of suicide prevention training (or mental health training with suicide prevention content) over the past two years is being asked to consider becoming an Orange Button wearer. 

This includes people who have Mental Health First Aid training. Groups likely to have had training include voluntary and community organisations providing public services, workplaces as well as health and care workers, including non NHS workers. 

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Suicide is a tragedy for everyone and we wholeheartedly support joining this scheme which offers another option for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts who feels unable to reach out directly to services.

“This scheme will offer vital support that is easily accessed in the community and calls for more people to learn active listening skills and signpost to support.”

Anyone struggling to cope with mental health issues and needing urgent help can call Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Mental Health Helpline on 0808 196 9127.

If you have had mental health training which includes suicide prevention and want to get involved, to apply for your Orange Button visit the Now We’re Talking website.