Following on from Time to Talk Day: Support Starts With a Conversation

Following on from Time to Talk Day (5th Feb), when there is a national focus on open conversations around mental health, people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being reminded about the Orange Button Scheme and the support it represents.

The Orange Button is worn by people who have relevant training in supporting mental health, including suicide prevention. Someone wearing an Orange Button is there to listen non-judgmentally, help reduce stigma by talking openly about mental health and suicide, and make people aware of appropriate local support.

Health professionals across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are raising awareness of the scheme, helping more people understand what the Orange Button means and how it can help someone who may be struggling.

Wearers are trained to listen and to guide people towards local and national information, resources and support that can help.

One Orange Button wearer explained: “I supported a dad who was struggling financially and emotionally while caring for his young family. I offered immediate support and signposted him to our Family Hub for further help. He now knows the door is always open if he needs more support.”

More than 1,000 people have now been trained to wear the Orange Button across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, creating a community of support for people who may benefit from conversation about their mental health, including those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The Orange Button Wearers are unable to provide counselling, but they can play a vital role by offering time, understanding and practical information about where to find further help.  

The Orange Button scheme aims to:

• create a community of people trained in suicide awareness and active listening
• build a network of organisations who have Orange Button wearers who can be easily identified
• ensure communities understand what the Orange Button is, and how people can get involved

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health from Worcestershire County Council said: “The Orange Button Scheme is about making support visible and accessible in everyday settings. By training people across our communities and workplaces, we’re helping to reduce stigma and ensure that more people know who and where to turn if they’re struggling with anything from a niggling worry to more serious negative thoughts. A simple conversation can be a powerful starting point.”

People who are struggling, having thoughts of suicide or who are worried about a friend or family member, can ask Orange Button wearers in their community for information and support. Anyone who doesn’t think they can keep themselves safe should call 999.

More information about local support can also be found on the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing pages of our website.