'Orange button army' to support those having suicidal thoughts across Cornwall
Those with specialist training will wear them everywhere from shops and restaurants just on the street
Last updated 10th Oct 2021
People having suicidal thoughts across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will soon have access to an army of trained volunteers who can help.
Launched by Cornwall Council and the local NHS next week, the ‘Orange Button Community Scheme’ aims to make people who have received mental health and suicide prevention training more visible to those who need support.
Thousands receive training each year – for example through workplace schemes - but there is currently no way for a member of the public to identify who has been trained, and therefore who to approach for advice and support.
By wearing a distinctive orange button, these trained volunteers will be easily recognisable to people having suicidal thoughts wherever they are, for example at work, in shops, pubs, cafes, libraries or just on the street.
The orange button signifies that the wearer knows how to listen, isn’t afraid to hear the word ‘suicide’ and will not judge them.
Although they cannot offer counselling, they will be able to signpost individuals to the right support services.
In addition to ‘orange button’ badges and email signatures, a special sticker can also be supplied to businesses to place in windows so people know that there are trained staff available to help when needed.
Statistics show the rate of suicide deaths in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is consistently higher than the national average.
Paula Chappell, health practitioner and suicide prevention lead in Cornwall’s Public Health team, said: "Every single death represents an individual tragedy and a devastating bereavement for family and friends.
"The impact also extends into the wider community and to all services involved, with an estimated 135 people affected by each suicide.
"In recent years, less than a third of people who died by suicide had contact with mental health services in the year before their death, highlighting the need for members of communities to learn active listening skills and know where to find signposting information to share.
"We would urge as many people as possible with suicide prevention and mental health training to engage with the Orange Button scheme and help us in our drive to prevent all suicides in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly".
Councillor Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health at Cornwall Council, added: "There is still a lot of stigma around suicide and mental health in general so schemes like Orange Button are vital to support people who might be suffering in silence in our communities.
"The more we can break down those barriers and empower people to speak openly and honestly about their feelings, the better for everyone".
The scheme was made available to Cornwall Council and NHS Kernow CCG) staff during September but is now being rolled out more widely.
It is open to anyone who lives or works in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and more people are being encouraged to undergo the training so they can sign up as orange button volunteers.
You can find more information about how to receive suicide prevention training through the 'Orange Button Scheme' page on Cornwall Council's website.
Where can I go to receive mental health support in Cornwall?
• 24/7 NHS Mental health response line: For support and advice. Call free any time, day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The team behind the 24/7 open access telephone response line will listen to you and determine how best to help. T: 0800 038 5300 (free) 24 hours a day.
• Samaritans: Emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. T: 116 123 24 hours a day or email jo@samaritans.org
• Outlook South West offer online support and NHS talking therapies – call 01208 871905 for people aged 16+ years. The Suicide Liaison Service is also available via this number. This is also an NHS funded service but for adults 18+ who have been bereaved by suicide.
• Man Down: Supporting men's mental health in Cornwall - www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
• Your Voice: Supporting women’s mental health in Cornwall. Your Voice Cornwall | Charity that supports the supporters of Mental Health. More information can be found on the Your Voice website.
• Georgia’s Voice: Supporting young women’s mental health in Cornwall. You can find more information on the Georgia's Voice website.
• We Are With You is a service for anyone who is worried about their own drug or alcohol use, or someone else’s. T: 01872 263001 or visit the Cornwall, Truro - With You website.
• Childline: Free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime. T: 0800 1111 email or chat via the Childline website.
• Shout: 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text: 85258
• CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably: For men who are down or who need to talk, find information and support. T: 0800 58 58 58 5pm - midnight every day or webchat on the CALM website.
• If you are a young person or worried about a child you can call the Early Help Hub for advice and help. T: 01872 322277 or email earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk
• Call 0300 777 4777 or visit Safer Futures - Domestic Abuse Support, Cornwall if you or someone else is affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and those demonstrating abusive behaviours.
• Valued Lives: Supports people who are experiencing mental or emotional distress in Cornwall. T: 0800 260 6759 24/7 crisis line
• Papyrus Hopeline UK: For people under the age of 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. T: 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Additional information about the mental health support available in Cornwall can be found on NHS Kernow's website.