Mental Health Awareness Week 2026: Every action counts – local call to grow the Orange Button suicide prevention community

Today (11 May 2026) marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. 

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the week runs from 11–17 May 2026 and this year’s theme is “Every action counts – for yourself, for someone else, for all of us.” This Mental Health Awareness Week, people are being asked to join together in taking action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless – and while our individual actions matter, when we come together, we are even more powerful. 

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin health and care partners are using the week as a call to action to help prevent suicide, encouraging more local people to join the Orange Button Community Scheme. 

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has higher-than-average suicide rates when compared to England average, and partners are highlighting the importance of community-based suicide prevention, including supportive conversations, reducing stigma, and helping people access the right support. 

What is the Orange Button Scheme? 

The NHS-backed Orange Button Community Scheme, launched locally in 2025, trains people to listen, support and signpost if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Orange Button Holders may wear an orange button or display it in a workplace, car or window to show they are a safe person to talk to. 

There are currently over 250 Orange Button Holders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and partners want to significantly grow the network. In a local recent survey, around 50% of Orange Button holders reported they have used their Orange Button and associated training in a suicide prevention context. 

Call to action: take training, start conversations, help save lives 

Local partners are encouraging everyone to “Let’s Keep talking” – because words matter when working to prevent suicide. With training and support, more people can feel confident to have compassionate conversations and help someone find the right help at the right time. 

Orange Button training is available virtually or face-to-face. On completion, participants can apply to receive an orange button and join the voluntary scheme. 

Find out more and sign up: www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/your-health/where-to-get-advice-and-help/mental-health-services/orange-button-community-scheme/  

What local leaders are saying 

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

“Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that every action counts. Suicide prevention is not something services can do alone, it relies on people across our communities feeling confident to listen, to talk, and to help others find support. The Orange Button Scheme is a powerful example of how small, compassionate actions 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: 

“Every action counts and 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’re not alone, and be signposted to the right services. We’d encourage individuals, employers and community groups to take part and help build stronger, safer communities.” 

Vicky Dudley, Learning and Development Officer for Shropshire Council, delivering Orange Button Training locally, said: 

“You may have seen people wearing an orange button and wondered what it signifies. It shows that the person wearing it is trained and available to talk if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. We want to increase the number of button holders. I’d encourage anyone who can spare the time to undertake the training and help make support more visible in our communities. 

“Button wearers are not counsellors, but they are trained to listen and to signpost people to relevant services, and we hear time and again how that has made a real difference.” 

Support information 

If you or someone you know needs urgent help: 

• Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical help. 
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. 
• Contact NHS 111 and selection the mental health option (option 2) 
• Text STW to 85258 to receive support for your mental health at any time of the day or night. For further information, click here.