Orange Button Community Scheme
People who are having thoughts of suicide or who are worried about someone can ask Orange Button holders in their community for information and support. Orange Buttons are worn by people across Shropshire who have undergone specialised suicide prevention training.
The Orange Button Community Scheme training will be subsidised through the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Network, based on eligibility criteria.
Scheme aims
The Orange Button Community Scheme encourages people to speak freely about suicide. By improving visibility and accessibility of offers across our communities, we'll reduce stigma and preventing suicides.
The scheme aims to:
- Create a community of people trained in suicide awareness from quality-assured training
- Create a network of organisations that have Orange Button holders available who can be identified, who can listen and then signpost
- Ensure that all communities are aware of the Orange Button, what it signifies and how people can be involved, by promoting from within the community
Join the Orange Button Community
If you’re an adult and have completed 3.5 hours of quality-assured suicide prevention training, you can now apply to become an Orange Button holder, to make your training and skills more visible to others.
Wearing an Orange Button shows your community that you’re someone who:
- Is comfortable saying and hearing the word suicide
- Can listen with empathy and without judgment
- Knows where to guide people for help and support
Orange Button wearers don't provide:
- Counselling or therapy
- Long-term support
- A replacement or alternative to a local NHS service
Are you an organisation or business looking to get involved? We're currently working to build a network of Orange Button holders in our communities. Get in touch at orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk
Get an Orange Button
Funded training options to become an Orange Button holder are available through the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Network. If you have no previous training and would like to become an Orange Button holder, contact us...
Register as a new learner for suicide prevention training
If you've completed 3.5 hours of quality-assured suicide prevention training in the past three years, apply for an orange button pack below.
Contact us for an Orange Button pack
Recognised training
- ASIST (Applied suicide intervention skills training)
- safeTALK
- Suicide First Aid
- Suicide First Aid Lite
- Suicide Prevention in Our Communities
- Mental Health First Aid- Adults
- Mental Health First Aid- Youth
- Managing Suicidal Conversations (Samaritans)
- SP-EAK (PAPYRUS)
Issues, questions, or misplaced buttons? Get in touch at orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk
Meet an Orange Button holder
Orange Button holders exist nationally, making a difference in communities and workplaces. Hear stories from button holders as they outline what the scheme is and why they decided to take part in the scheme, and some real-life examples where their training has helped someone feeling suicidal.
Help and support
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis (feeling unsafe, distressed, or worried about mental health) can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can call for yourself or someone else. For life-threatening emergencies, please call 999.
Find out more about urgent and non-urgent support for mental health concerns and suicide concerns and prevention.
Ongoing support for Orange Button holders
Members of the Orange Button community will continue to be supported through regular correspondence and support meetings.
Please remember:
- Always keep yourself safe and be self-aware
- Wearing the badge is your choice, only wear it when you feel well enough to support others
- Refer to your Orange Button support card and list of mental health support services when supporting someone
Queries, comments or concerns about the scheme?
Please contact us at orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk