Orange Button suicide prevention scheme passes 4,000 members

More than 4,000 people are wearing orange buttons in Lancashire and South Cumbria as part of a suicide prevention campaign.

The NHS-backed scheme launched in 2020, with button-wearers trained to listen to people who are having thoughts of suicide and signpost them to the relevant services.

Helen Parry, project lead for the Orange Button Scheme within Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board – which organises healthcare services in the region – said: “You may have seen people wearing an orange button and wondered what it signifies. Our aim is to make as many people aware as possible that an orange button-wearer is a trained individual who is available to talk to if you are having suicidal feelings and thoughts.

“The number of wearers has increased a lot over the past year and we have just passed the milestone of 4,000 members, which is significant.

“There is always a need for more volunteers though, and I would encourage anyone who can spare the time to undertake the specialist training to provide this important service.”

Orange Button training is delivered by Lancashire Mind, Every Life Matters and other organisations, and gives people the skills to identify when people around them are showing signs of mental health concerns and be able to support a person before they have further thoughts of harm. 

Those with the training typically display their orange buttons on their clothing or even in a car or window to let people around them know that they are available to help.

Helen adds: “While button wearers are not counsellors, they are trained to signpost people to relevant services and are empowered to intervene when someone may be having suicidal thoughts.

“We have heard many times that button wearers have helped people and made a difference, and there are many employers and businesses in the region who have a member of staff that has completed the training.”

The Orange Button training can be done virtually or face-to-face. Upon completion, people get the opportunity to apply for an orange button and join the voluntary scheme, making themselves identifiable in their community and support people who need it.

More information about the scheme is available at www.healthierlsc.co.uk/OrangeButtonScheme-1 and the training can be booked for individuals and workplaces by contacting Lancashire Mind. Full details are available here.