Orange Button Community Scheme

Helping prevent suicide across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

The Orange Button Community Scheme supports suicide prevention across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by helping people feel more confident to listen, talk and signpost when someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The scheme is part of a wider, community-based approach to suicide prevention. It recognises that services cannot prevent suicide on their own and that supportive, compassionate conversations in everyday settings can make a real difference.

What is the Orange Button Community Scheme

The NHS backed Orange Button Community Scheme launched locally in 2025. It provides training to help people respond safely and compassionately if someone shares concerns about their mental health or suicidal thoughts.

People who complete the training can apply to become an Orange Button Holder. Holders may wear an orange button or display it in a workplace, car or window to show they are willing to listen and take concerns seriously.

Orange Button Holders are not counsellors. They are trained to listen and to help people access appropriate support.

Local partners are working to grow the scheme so that support is more visible and accessible in more places.

Getting involved

Training is available virtually or face to face. After completing the training, participants can apply to receive an orange button and join the voluntary scheme.

Further information is available from local councils:

• Shropshire residents
  Orange Button Community Scheme – Shropshire Council
  Email: orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk
• Telford and Wrekin residents
  Orange Button Community Scheme – Telford and Wrekin Council
  Email: orangebutton@telford.gov.uk

What local leaders are saying?

Priya George, Clinical Lead for Mental Health at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:

“Suicide prevention relies on people across our communities feeling confident to listen, talk and help others find support. The Orange Button Scheme shows how simple, compassionate actions by local people can make a real difference.”

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for Shropshire Council, and Helen Onions, Director of Public Health for Telford and Wrekin Council, said:

“One supportive conversation can be life changing. By growing the Orange Button Community, we can make it easier for people to speak openly about suicidal feelings, know they are not alone and be guided towards the right support.”

Vicky Dudley, Learning and Development Officer for Shropshire Council, said:

“You may have seen people wearing an orange button and wondered what it means. It shows that the person is trained and available to talk if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Button holders are not counsellors, but they are trained to listen and signpost to relevant services, and we regularly hear how this has helped people feel supported.”

Support information

If you or someone you know needs urgent help:

• Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
• Call Samaritans on 116 123, free and available 24 hours a day
• Contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option
• Text STW to 85258 for free, confidential mental health support at any time