Proud to play our part on World Suicide Prevention Week
The Importance of the Orange Button Scheme
This week it’s a special one, when the world comes together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
Supported by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), this day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for collective action to reduce suicide rates worldwide. Suicide remains a critical public health issue, with devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
I’m so proud that we are playing our part, from innovative initiatives like the Orange Button Scheme, CYP programmes, and suicide prevention campaigns. These are making a significant difference, particularly in regions such as Lancashire and South Cumbria, Birmingham and Solihull, Worcestershire, and Somerset.
From evidence based needs we have seen the growth of Orange button holders to around 10,000 across some of the regions that we have supported and delivered the campaign along with Orange button packs for those who have taken the training through organisations such as Every life matters, Mind charities etc
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 700,000 people die by suicide every year globally, with many more attempting it. These statistics underscore the importance of sustained mental health support and early intervention to save lives.
In the UK, suicide rates have been a growing concern, we were commissioned to support this work in various regions during COVID-19 to tackle, support and signpost those people with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Reaching out to specific areas across the UK we helped to achieve some amazing results, through timely and targeted messages using real stories, real people with relevant messages and support channels.
Through the use of all aspects of communications and a sound insight into the audience we were able to provide these areas with some powerful campaigns reaching young adults through to the most vulnerable people.
Supporting this – an amazing initiative – the Orange Button Scheme, has enabled communities to become more equipped to offer life-saving assistance.
The Orange Button Scheme: A Lifeline for the Vulnerable
Launched in several areas across the UK, including Lancashire and South Cumbria, Birmingham and Solihull, Worcestershire, and Somerset, the Orange Button Scheme provides vital support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This initiative trains members of the public, healthcare professionals, and community workers to identify the signs of suicide risk and intervene appropriately.
The distinctive “orange button” worn by trained individuals symbolises a trusted source of hope. It signals that the person is approachable, empathetic, and equipped to offer immediate guidance to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. This approach is designed to make it easier for people to seek help in public spaces, reducing the stigma and fear associated with mental health challenges.
Impact on Lancashire and South Cumbria
In Lancashire and South Cumbria, the Orange Button Scheme has been particularly successful, with over 4000 people who have taken the training. The region has long struggled with high suicide rates, especially among men.
Embracing the initiative has enabled more open conversations about mental health and provided immediate assistance to those at risk. Through targeted training programs, hundreds of individuals have been equipped to offer life-saving interventions, and there have been numerous reports of lives saved as a direct result of the scheme.
Growth and development of the scheme: A Focus on Mental Health Awareness
Similarly, in Birmingham and Solihull, the Orange Button Scheme has been pivotal in shifting the narrative around mental health. These areas have diverse populations with varying mental health needs, and the scheme has helped create a network of support that transcends cultural barriers. By training people from different walks of life—whether in healthcare, education, or community services—this initiative has helped bridge gaps in mental health care, providing a much-needed safety net for those in distress.
Similarly in Worcestershire and Somerset, the scheme has strengthened community ties and has had some amazing impact in their first year..
These areas face unique challenges in mental health care access, but the Orange Button Scheme has empowered local residents to reduce the isolation that can often exacerbate mental health issues, offering timely intervention in moments of critical need.
A Collaborative Approach
One of the key strengths of the Orange Button Scheme is its collaborative nature. It involves partnerships between local health organisations, councils, mental health charities, and community groups, ensuring that the initiative is deeply embedded in local areas
Here at Creativeworld Health, a specialist healthcare communications agency, we have been instrumental in amplifying the impact of the scheme through targeted messaging, awareness campaigns, and community outreach efforts.
We are proud to support life-saving projects like the Orange Button Scheme. It’s a community-driven approach that enables individuals to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing mental health crises. By raising awareness and empowering people with the tools to intervene, we can help reduce the devastating impact of suicide across the UK
Looking Ahead
The success of the Orange Button Scheme in Lancashire and South Cumbria, Birmingham and Solihull, Worcestershire, and Somerset highlights the potential for similar initiatives to be rolled out across the UK and beyond. During this World Suicide Prevention Week, it is important to recognise the power of community-driven efforts and innovative schemes like the Orange Button in reducing suicide rates.
As we continue to raise awareness about suicide prevention, let us remember that every life matters and that together, we can create a future where mental health support is accessible to all.
Thank you to all the clients and partners we have worked with to support this work.
