Worcestershire County Councillors undertook suicide prevention training this November, enabling them to join Worcestershire’s Orange Button Community Scheme.
The Orange Button Community Scheme is a suicide prevention initiative launched in September 2022 by Worcestershire County Council public health.
By wearing an Orange Button, people with the right skills and knowledge can choose to make themselves visible to those who may need a conversation about suicide and those who are worried about someone else.
Being an Orange Button wearer means you are comfortable to talk to about suicide, can listen without judgement and will signpost individuals to support.
This cohort of 10 Worcestershire’s County Councillors were the first County Councillors to become trained and have the option of entering the scheme. Their involvement with the Orange Button Scheme highlights the importance of seeing suicide as everyone’s business. It is hoped that getting the scheme into the heart of communities will raise awareness of suicide and challenge the stigma surrounding it.
Nationally, suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50 and is a leading cause of death for children and young people.
Anyone who works, lives or volunteers in Worcestershire who has had relevant training around suicide prevention over the past two years is able to become an Orange Button wearer. Between August 2022 and October 2022, Worcestershire County Council has trained 262 individuals and added 187 new wearers to the Orange Button Community Scheme.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can find support, advice and information including the Orange Button Community Scheme on the Now We’re Talking website.