Herefordshire Council and local NHS services are highlighting the local network of trained Orange Button wearers - more than 1,000 people from all walks of life who are trained and ready to listen without judgment, and help people access the right specialist help.
 
Orange Button wearers are available to support anyone who is having thoughts of suicide, struggling with their mental health generally, or is worried about someone else.  Each wearer has received specialist training so they are comfortable talking about suicide, will listen without judgement, and can share information about where to find the right extra support when needed. They are easily identifiable by their round orange badge worn on clothing or a lanyard. 
 
Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Carole Gandy, said:

“If you want to speak to someone, privately, face-to-face, who will listen and talk to you without judgement, this is a way to find someone who is local and trained to help.

“Orange Button wearers are local people just like all of us, who offer their time for an open, honest chat, which can be so valuable if you are at a really low point. Please do look out for them and approach them - they are absolutely here to listen and offer support.”

Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: 

“The NHS is proud to be supporting the Orange Button Scheme and encourages anyone with mental health concerns or for those who are worried about a friend or family member to ask Orange Button wearers in their community for information and support and they can signpost you to specialist mental health support.”

Local Orange Button wearer Rachel said: 

“I hope anyone who sees me or anyone else wearing the Orange Button feels like they can just approach us for a chat. We’re here and won’t shy away from talking about suicide or any mental health challenge people are facing. We are all trained and absolutely ready for what you want to talk about, to listen, and we certainly won’t judge you. 
 
“Please do reach out. We are here to help, and sometimes just having someone totally independent to share your mental health worries with can make all the difference. And if you need further support or specialist help, we’ll help you get to the right place for that too.”
 

• People who need urgent mental health help can call 111 and select the Mental Health option, or visit the NHS website
• If you or someone else’s life is at risk or you have a physical emergency, call 999.
• Members of the public aged 18+ who are interested in becoming an Orange Button wearer can find out more, including the relevant suicide prevention training they will need to complete (or have already completed in the past two years) online. 

Rachel talks about being an Orange Button wearer.