Orange Button Scheme launched in Northamptonshire to strengthen suicide prevention support

Content warning: This article discusses suicide and mental health. If you are affected by the issues raised, support information is available at the end of this article.

North and West Northamptonshire Councils have launched the Orange Button Scheme across Northamptonshire, creating a visible network of trained people who can support conversations about suicide and help people access the right support when they need it most.

Orange Button holders wear a distinctive badge, making it easier for people experiencing thoughts of suicide, or those worried about someone else, to identify a trusted point of contact in their community. Having completed accredited suicide prevention training, they can listen without judgement, offer reassurance and signpost people to appropriate support services.

They have completed accredited suicide prevention training and may be volunteers, community workers, council staff, school staff, health professionals or employees in local organisations. While they are not counsellors or therapists, they are confident talking about suicide and can listen without judgement, offer support and reassurance, and signpost people to appropriate services.

The Orange Button Scheme has already been adopted in several areas across the country and is the latest initiative supporting suicide prevention efforts across Northamptonshire.

The scheme was officially launched at The Chester House Estate on 9 September ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), bringing together partners from local authorities, health organisations, voluntary and community groups, businesses and people with lived experience.

Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Health and Leisure and an Orange Button holder, said:
"As an Orange Button holder myself, I wanted to complete the training because I believe suicide prevention is everybody's business. We all have a role to play in looking out for one another and creating communities where people feel able to talk openly about how they're feeling.

"In Northamptonshire, around 77 people take their own lives each year. Behind every one of those deaths are families, friends, neighbours and colleagues whose lives are changed forever. Every death by suicide is one too many.

"The training gave me the confidence to start conversations that many people find difficult. Sometimes people don't need all the answers; they simply need someone who is willing to listen without judgement and help them take the next step towards getting support.

“I would encourage anyone who is eligible to get involved and help us build a stronger network of support across Northamptonshire."

Cllr Laura Couse, West Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health, said: "Every suicide is a tragedy that has a lasting impact on families, friends and communities. That's why we are committed to working with our partners across Northamptonshire to do everything we can to prevent suicide and ensure people know where to turn for help.

"The Orange Button Scheme is a simple but powerful way of building confidence and understanding within our communities. By increasing the number of people who can recognise when someone may be struggling, listen without judgement and help them access support, we can make a real difference.

"As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day and this year's theme of 'Change the Narrative on Suicide', we want to encourage more open conversations about mental health and suicide, challenge stigma and remind people that support is available.

"I would encourage residents, businesses, community groups and workplaces to get involved. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Northamptonshire where nobody feels they have to face difficult times alone."

Residents, community groups, voluntary organisations, schools, businesses and workplaces are encouraged to get involved. Organisations with registered Orange Button holders can support the scheme by displaying Orange Button stickers and encouraging trained staff and volunteers to take part.

Anyone who has completed eligible suicide prevention training within the last two years can email [email protected] to find out about becoming an Orange Button holder. Information about accredited training, eligibility criteria and how to get involved is available here. Details on mental health and wellbeing support for adults, children and young people are available on the Urgent mental health support webpage.