Orange Button Community Scheme
Supporting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Find help, support, and understanding through a network of trained individuals
The Orange Button Community Scheme is a simple yet powerful initiative designed to make it easier for people in Cornwall to access mental health support. Individuals who wear or display an orange button have completed Quality Assured suicide prevention training and are ready to listen, signpost, and support anyone who needs help. This scheme was created by the public health team and is open to everyone in Cornwall.
Why is the Orange Button scheme important?
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and reaching out for help can sometimes feel daunting. The Orange Button Scheme creates a visible network of trained, approachable people, breaking down barriers and ensuring no one feels alone. Holders of the orange button are suicide aware, equipped to listen without judgement, and ready to connect individuals with the right support services quickly.
Who can use the scheme?
If you need help with your mental wellbeing, you can approach anyone wearing an orange button—whether in workplaces, public spaces, or elsewhere in the community. These individuals are trained to support people struggling with mental ill health, having thoughts of suicide, or worried about a friend or family member. Although Orange Button holders are not counsellors, they can help you find relevant services and provide information about accessing support.
Where might you see the Orange Button?
A badge worn on clothing
A window sticker displayed in offices, shops, or community spaces
An email signature showing they are part of the scheme
If you spot an orange button in any of these places, it signifies the person is trained and ready to help.
How does the scheme work?
Look for the orange button – worn or displayed by trained individuals.
Start a conversation – Orange Button holders are there to listen without judgement and are OK to say or hear the word ‘suicide’.
Get signposted to help – They can guide you to local mental health support and provide information on self-care and signposting to local services.
Training and eligibility
The Orange Button Scheme is linked to several funded training courses through Healthy Cornwall, including:
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid Youth
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Suicide First Aid
Individuals who have completed at least three hours of Quality Assured suicide prevention training are eligible to take part. By wearing the badge, they demonstrate their willingness to engage in supportive conversations about mental health.
Participants receive a resource pack with support materials, including information on signposting and self-care.
How to become an Orange Button holder
If you wish to become an Orange Button holder, you must complete at least three hours of Quality Assured suicide prevention training. The cost for training is covered by Public Health, but course manuals have a separate fee. Once trained, you can wear the button on your clothing or add the graphic to your email signature to identify yourself as someone who has received suicide awareness training.
If you have already completed one of the linked courses, Healthy Cornwall will contact you about joining the scheme. Participation is voluntary, and it is up to individuals to decide if they want to display the badge.
Find out more
For more information or to access training sessions, visit the Healthy Cornwall training page to view availability and book. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please email suicideprevention@cornwall.gov.uk.