Last night I joined a packed three-hour Suicide Prevention training session at The Pump House in Tenbury Wells, presented by Kirsty Hughes and supported by Worcestershire City Council. The session brought together people from across the community — neighbours, workers, volunteers and a few familiar faces — and was generously fuelled with sandwiches, coffee and cake.
I’m pleased to say I’m now an official Orange Button wearer. It’s a small object with a clear purpose: to let people know there are trained listeners in the community who can speak openly about suicide, listen without judgement, and signpost people to the right support.
What the Orange Button Community Scheme aims to do
The scheme has three clear aims:
- Create a community of people trained in suicide awareness who have gained skills from quality-assured training.
- Build a network of organisations with Orange Button wearers who can listen and signpost.
- Raise awareness in communities so people know what the Orange Button signifies and how to get involved.
Wearing an Orange Button signals that you:
- are comfortable saying and hearing the word suicide,
- can listen without judgement, and
- know where to guide someone for help and support.
Why training matters
Talking about suicide is hard. Without training people often worry they’ll say the wrong thing, or be overwhelmed. Quality training builds confidence: how to ask direct questions safely, how to listen, how to keep someone safe in the moment, and how to move on to appropriate professional help. It’s not about solving every problem — it’s about being a compassionate, informed first step toward safety.
Local crisis support (please save or share these numbers)
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire 24/7 NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline (all ages) — Offers advice, support and assessment for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Tel: 0808 196 9127
- Herefordshire Mind Safe Haven (5pm–10pm, last admission 9pm) — A welcoming evening space for anyone 18+ experiencing high emotional distress and/or suicidal thoughts. Heffernan House, 130–132 Widemarsh Street, HR4 9HN. Tel: 01432 372407
- Worcestershire Safe Haven (South Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind) (6pm–1am, last calls 12.20am) — A listening ear, support and signposting for anyone 18+. Same-night face-to-face appointments in Redditch Town Centre may be available for eligible callers. Tel: 01905 600 400
- Samaritans — Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (reply within 24 hours)
- Text SHOUT to 85258 — 24/7 free crisis text support across the UK
How this links to my work at SafeSpace Counselling (online)
As an online counsellor I’m committed to ongoing learning and community safety. Being part of the Orange Button network helps me:
- better recognise and respond to acute risk,
- confidently signpost local crisis services, and
- collaborate with a network of trained community listeners.
If you’d like to talk about support options, I offer a free 15-minute clarity call online. Email safespacecounsellingw@gmail.com or DM PAUSE to arrange a time. Online counselling means help is available from the privacy of your own home, wherever you are.
A final note on safety
If you are in immediate danger or think you might act on suicidal thoughts, please call emergency services now. If you’re in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, the helplines above are available — and national services such as Samaritans (116 123) and SHOUT (text SHOUT to 85258) are available 24/7.
