NEWSROOM

The event marked a pivotal moment in the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention, highlighting the launch of the Orange Button scheme.

Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in England, especially among young people and middle-aged men. According to the latest statistics, there were 5,224 recorded suicides in England in 2024, with men accounting for approximately three-quarters of these deaths. It remains imperative to address the factors contributing to this crisis, including mental health issues, social isolation, and economic stresses.

The Orange Button scheme, introduced locally during the summer, aims to provide a community-based support network. Participants who receive Orange Button training are equipped with suicide awareness skills from quality assured training, allowing them to offer support and signpost individuals to appropriate resources. Currently, Telford and Wrekin have trained over 50 potential Orange Button wearers with a further 45 due to be trained in October, with 15 more residents signing up during the event.

The scheme's three main objectives are:

1. Creating a community of trained individuals: Participants receive quality assured training in suicide awareness.
2. Building a network of supportive organisations: Orange Button wearers are equipped to listen and guide individuals to appropriate support.
3. Raising community awareness: Efforts are made to ensure all community members understand the significance of the Orange Button and how to get involved.

The event itself was a vibrant family fun day filled with music from the Virtual Schools band, dance performances, and a variety of stalls. Lived experience speakers shared powerful stories, while face painters and entertainers engaged the community. Key partners like Cranstoun, Telford Mind, and Age UK joined forces with the Council to enhance awareness and showcase the mental health support available in the region.

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Healthier Communities, said:

"Our World Suicide Prevention Day event was a testament to the power of community collaboration. The Orange Button scheme is not just a person and a pin badge but a lifeline for those in need, and we are proud to see so many community members step up to support this initiative."

The success of this event underscores the Council’s dedication to fostering a supportive and informed community, where mental health conversations are normalised, and help is always within reach.

For more information on the Orange Button scheme and how to get involved, please visit www.telford.gov.uk/orangebutton