Suicide prevention officer talks Orange Button Scheme

Breaking the silence surrounding suicide is crucial, as stigma prevents many from seeking help. In a bold initiative to combat the devastating effects of suicide, the Orange Button Scheme has been launched across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, providing a vital lifeline for those struggling with their mental health.

The community-driven programme encourages individuals to wear an orange button as a visible symbol of support and a signal to others that they are approachable and willing to listen. The scheme is simple yet powerful: individuals can approach someone wearing an orange button for information, guidance, and support around suicide prevention. By doing so, they can potentially save a life.

In an emotional account, Katrina, an orange button wearer, shared her personal experience of losing a colleague to suicide in 2018. “I felt stuck on how to deal with it myself and how to deal with it from my colleagues,” she recalled. “But since wearing the orange button, I’ve had a colleague approach me who was in crisis. I was able to support him and signpost him to get the help he needed, and he’s still with us today.”

With over 600 wearers across both counties, the Orange Button Scheme is growing rapidly as a community-driven initiative aimed at preventing suicide. By wearing the orange button, individuals can provide a beacon of hope and support for those struggling with their mental health. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, remember that help is just a conversation away.

You can approach someone wearing an orange button for support or explore the scheme online. If you need immediate help, call NHS 111 for mental health advice. Want to join the movement and wear an orange button? Contact suicideprevention@ herefordshire.gov.uk. Together, we can create a kinder and more supportive community, one Orange Button at a time.

CLARE EVANS:

PUBLIC HEALTH SUICIDE PREVENTION OFFICER