Green light for region's orange button scheme

People in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who have suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or family member, will soon be able to get support when they see someone wearing a distinctive orange badge.

Along with local NHS partners, Herefordshire and Worcestershire councils have adopted the orange button community scheme. The orange button is worn by people who have relevant training in mental health and suicide prevention. This group can now make their skills available to help those in need.

Orange button wearers are there to listen, signpost to local support and help reduce stigma by talking openly about suicide.

Everyone across Herefordshire and Worcestershire who has had at least three hours' suicide prevention training over the past two years is being asked to become 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, some workplaces and health and care workers. 

As well as Talk Community's mental health first aiders, Herefordshire Council also has a number of similarly trained staff members who will provide help to those who want it.

Councillor Pauline Crockett, Herefordshire's cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing says: "Hopefully, people with the right training will become orange button wearers to help those in need.

"If you're worried about someone, it's okay to ask them if they feel suicidal. There is plenty of help and support available on the Samaritans website. Those who need urgent help can also call Herefordshire and Worcestershire's mental health helpline on 0808 196 9127."