Information from Staffordshire County Council
Orange Button Scheme Launched in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire
The Orange Button Scheme helps make suicide prevention support more visible across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
People wearing an orange button have completed suicide awareness and prevention training. They are not counsellors or crisis workers, but they are confident to talk about suicide, listen without judgement and help people find the right support.
If you are worried about yourself, a friend, family member, colleague or someone in your community, you can approach someone wearing an orange button for information and support.
An Orange Button holder can:
- listen calmly and without judgement
- help someone talk about how they are feeling
- signpost people to local and national support
- help someone take the next step towards getting help
- support safe and compassionate conversations about suicide
Orange Button holders are not expected to provide counselling, therapy or crisis intervention. Their role is to listen and help connect people to the right support.
Become an Orange Button holder
The scheme is open to people who live, work or volunteer in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and have completed eligible suicide awareness and prevention training.
If you have completed Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training within the last 12 months and would like to apply to become an Orange Button holder, please complete the application form below.
You may also apply if, within the last 12 months, you have completed:
- a full two-day Mental Health First Aider course
- Suicide Prevention First Aid
- ASSIST
- another recognised suicide prevention training course
If your application is successful, you will receive an Orange Button pack which will include an orange button badge, signposting information and other materials to support you in your role as an Orange Button holder.
Need support for yourself?
If you’re struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of suicide, support is available.
- Contact your GP
- Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- Call Samaritans on 116 123
- In an emergency, call 999
If someone is in immediate danger
If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 now.
If you are worried that you or someone else cannot be kept safe, call 999 or contact urgent mental health support.
You can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option if you need urgent help for a mental health crisis that is not life-threatening.
If you need to talk to someone now, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
