Orange Button wearers share their stories in two new videos being released this week
More than 650 people have been trained to wear the Orange Button and support people who are having suicidal thoughts, across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Keen to encourage others to join the scheme, Orange Button wearers, Katrina and Euan have shared their stories in two new videos being released this week.
The Orange Button is worn by people who have relevant training in suicide prevention. They are there to listen, signpost to local support, and help reduce stigma by talking openly about suicide.
People often have very personal reasons for becoming an Orange Button wearer.
Euan McPherson, from Herefordshire, who features in one of the videos explains:
“10 years ago, I was suicidal. My daughter gave me the reason to live. 10 years ago, I didn’t think that I’d ever work again. I’d made several suicide attempts that year.
“What I think is so important about the orange button scheme is it challenges some of the stigma around mental health that still exists in society.
“I think what I would say to people who are nervous about coming on board with the scheme is do it, just do it. Once you’ve had the training, you’ll probably find that you feel far more confident than you think you would.
“The ability to help others is phenomenal, and given where I was myself ten years ago, thinking that I can turn that round and now be in a position to help others gives me a great deal of confidence and a lot of strength.”
Katrina, from Worcestershire, who features in the other video, explains why she wears the orange button with pride:
“Back in 2018 we had a supplier that sadly completed suicide. I just felt completely stuck at how to deal with it for myself and how to deal with it for my colleagues. The Orange Button scheme is a way to let people know that you are somebody that they can approach to talk about suicide.
“Every person who wears the Orange Button has the opportunity to save a life. Through wearing it I had a colleague approach me who was in crisis. I’ve been able to support him and signpost him to support which prevented him from taking his own life.“It’s humbling that I’ve made a difference and by wearing the Orange Button, that person is still here.”
Over 650 people have joined the Orange Button Community Scheme since the scheme’s launch in September 2022.
Councillor Carole Gandy, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“The more we can all do to support people to speak openly and honestly about their mental health the better. I’m certain that by sharing these stories we will encourage more people to take up the opportunity to wear the Orange Button and provide a listening ear and support to people when they most need it.”
Lisa McNally, Worcestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health said:
"I’d like to thank Katrina and Euan for sharing their experiences and agreeing to feature in these videos. Each personal story is incredibly inspiring. I hope these stories will encourage others to become Orange Button wearers too.”
To watch Katrina’s and Euan’s stories and find out more visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/orangebutton.
Councillor Barry Durkin, Herefordshire Council is an Orange Button wearer:
“As an Orange Button wearer it is a privilege to provide support for those who are experiencing difficulties. Orange Button wearers are approachable, listen without judgement, and provide support to find help. Look for the Orange Button!"
How to become an Orange Button Wearer
Anyone across Herefordshire and Worcestershire who has had at least 3 hours of relevant suicide prevention training (or mental health training with suicide prevention content) over the past two years can become an Orange Button wearer.
This also includes people who have Mental Health First Aid training. For a complete list of relevant courses go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/orangebutton. Groups likely to have had training include voluntary and community organisations providing public services, workplaces as well as health and care workers, including non-NHS workers.
If you have had suicide prevention training and want to get involved you can apply for your Orange Button at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/orangebutton