To support this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, Sunday 10 September, Birmingham and Solihull councils are launching the Orange Button Scheme.
The Orange Button Community Scheme is a way of identifying people that have undertaken suicide prevention training. Wearing the button indicates they have the confidence to talk to others about suicide.
It is a way of showing people in your community who are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried that somebody else might be, that you are:
- Comfortable to say/hear the word suicide
- Can listen without judgement
- Can let people know to find help and support
To become an Orange Button badge holder people need to have completed the Quality Assured training course.
Details on the scheme and how to access the training can be found on Solihull Council's Orange Button scheme webpage. (https://www.solihull.gov.uk/orange-button-scheme)
Or Birmingham City Council’s website (https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/OrangeButton)
Cllr Tony Dicicco, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Solihull Council, said:
“It’s great to see the Orange Button scheme being launched in Solihull.
“Statistics show that over recent years less than a third of people who took their own lives had contact with mental health services in the 12 months before their death. This shows there is a real need for all of us to learn active listening skills and know where to find information to share.
“Schemes like the Orange Button can help support those suffering in silence. The more we can break the stigma around mental health and empower people to speak openly and honestly about their feelings, the better for everyone.
“The training on offer is invaluable and could genuinely save someone’s life. I would urge anyone interested to check out our Orange Button webpage and sign up.”
Cllr Councillor Mariam Khan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:
“Every suicide is preventable, and as part of Birmingham’s Zero Suicide approach the Orange Button Community Scheme is vital to tackle stigma and get support to those in need early.
“Across the city people who complete training can become an orange button wearer and you can make a positive difference for your community.”
Dr Fabida Aria, Medical Director and Consultant psychiatrist at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Orange Button scheme being developed across Birmingham and Solihull. I truly believe anyone can help prevent suicides and this scheme will help us save more lives.
“Seeing colleagues from across various sectors stepping forward to take up some brief training, and then offering themselves up for a conversation, is truly inspiring and testament to a commitment to make mental health and wellbeing everyone’s business”.
Hundreds of people receive mental health training each year – for example through workplace schemes.
The Orange Button Scheme now allows a member of the public to identify who has been trained, and can be approached for advice and support.
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Helpline 0121 262 3555 or 0800 915 9292. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be used whether you are known to services or not.
How to get urgent mental health help - Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (bsmhft.nhs.uk)
Solihull Council mental health support services - https://www.solihull.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/Solihull-mental-health
Every Life Matters - https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/