Shropshire residents join forces to expand Orange Button support
Shropshire is calling on its residents to strengthen a vital community safety net as Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 begins. Under the national theme “Every action counts – for yourself, for someone else, for all of us,” health and care partners across the region are launching a major drive to grow the Orange Button Community Scheme.
Running from 11–17 May 2026, the week serves as a reminder that small, compassionate actions can prevent tragedies. In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the initiative is more than just a campaign; it is a direct response to local public health challenges. The region currently faces higher-than-average suicide rates compared to the England average, making community-based intervention a top priority for local authorities and the NHS.
Addressing Shropshire’s higher-than-average suicide rates
The Orange Button Community Scheme was launched locally in 2025 to bridge the gap between those in distress and professional services. It is designed to train everyday people to listen, provide support, and signpost individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts to the right help.
Currently, there are over 250 Orange Button holders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. However, health leaders believe a significantly larger network is needed to ensure support is visible in every neighborhood. Data from a recent local survey highlights the scheme’s efficacy: approximately 50% of current button holders reported they have already used their training in a real-world suicide prevention context.
Priya George, Clinical Lead for Mental Health at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, emphasizes that suicide prevention cannot be the responsibility of formal health services alone. It relies on the confidence of neighbors, colleagues, and friends to start difficult conversations. The orange button, worn on clothing or displayed in car windows and shop fronts, signals that the bearer is a “safe person” to talk to.
The practical picture: What the scheme involves
- Visible Support: Holders wear a distinctive orange button or display it in workplaces to show they are trained to listen.
- Signposting, Not Counselling: Participants are not expected to be therapists; they are trained to guide people toward professional NHS or charitable services.
- Proven Impact: Half of the local volunteers have already actively assisted someone in crisis since the scheme’s inception.
- Flexible Training: Sessions are available both virtually and in-person to accommodate different schedules.
Identifying and becoming an Orange Button holder
Becoming part of this network involves a commitment to training and a willingness to be a point of contact for those in need. Vicky Dudley, a Learning and Development Officer for Shropshire Council, notes that the training provides the specific tools needed to handle sensitive conversations with compassion and clarity.
Local leaders, including Rachel Robinson and Helen Onions, Directors of Public Health for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin respectively, are urging individuals, local employers, and community groups to sign up. By making support more visible in public spaces, the goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding suicidal feelings and ensure no one feels they have to face these thoughts alone.
Training is open to anyone who can spare the time to learn these life-saving skills. Once the training is complete, participants receive their orange button and join a voluntary network that spans the entire county. Information on upcoming sessions and registration can be found through the local NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin mental health advice portals.
Urgent mental health support and crisis resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 or visit the nearest Accident and Emergency department. For those experiencing a mental health crisis that requires urgent but non-life-threatening attention, several 24/7 resources are available:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support at any time.
- NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option (Option 2) to speak with a specialist.
- Shout Text Service: Text ‘STW’ to 85258 to receive support via text message day or night.
Words matter, and in Shropshire, the push to grow the Orange Button community is a testament to the belief that one supportive conversation can be life-changing.
Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom
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