Hope through action: Free suicide prevention webinar marks one year since launch of Orange Button Community Scheme
Professionals and members of the community are invited to a free, one-hour Talking Suicide webinar on 10 September 2026, marking one year since the launch of the Orange Button Community Scheme across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
10 September 2026 marks one year since the launch of the Orange Button Community Scheme
The Orange Button Community Scheme was established to create a visible network of people trained to talk openly about suicide, reduce stigma, and signpost people to support. The scheme offers a range of recognised suicide prevention training opportunities, including the locally developed Suicide Prevention in our Communities course, designed to increase awareness and confidence in responding to suicide risk.
At its launch on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) 2025, professionals who had previously completed eligible suicide prevention training were invited to join the scheme, resulting in 72 Orange Buttons being issued to the initial group.
To support the launch, Shropshire Council’s Orange Button team worked alongside Samaritans to deliver a series of Talking Suicide Seminars across the county, helping raise awareness of suicide prevention, challenge stigma, and encourage people to get involved.
Over the past year, the scheme has grown significantly. There are now 360 active Orange Button Holders across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, representing a broad range of council services, voluntary and community sector organisations, educational settings, and organisations supporting groups at increased risk of suicide, including rural and older communities. The network has a presence across all of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Feedback from Orange Button Holders has been encouraging, with around 50% of survey respondents reporting that they have already used their training to support someone in their community. A further 80 people are currently registered to complete training during September 2026, with the network expected to exceed 500 button holders by the end of the year.
Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care (Adults and Children) said:
“The success of the Orange Button Scheme is a sign of hope for Suicide Prevention in Shropshire, helping to reduce stigma and start important conversations with those people most in need.
“It is hugely encouraging that so many people have now completed the training on offer, with even more signed up to future opportunities. I would encourage anybody with an interest to sign up to the webinar taking place on 10 September and learn more about how to support loved ones and community members at risk of suicide. Together, we can create hope through action.”
Looking ahead, the programme will continue to focus on increasing the number of Orange Button Holders, particularly amongst higher-risk groups and there are also plans to hold a networking event to share experiences, build connections, and strengthen the local suicide prevention network.
This year’s free one-hour Talking Suicide Webinar, taking place on 10 September 2026, is open to professionals and community members interested in learning more about suicide prevention and the Orange Button Community Scheme.
The webinar will explore the realities of suicide, its impact on people, families and communities, and what we can all do to help prevent it.
Register here to take part: https://talking-suicide-webinar.eventbrite.com
Organisations and individuals interested in becoming involved in other ways can access funded training opportunities and are encouraged to contact orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk to find out more.
Further information is available at: Orange Button Community Scheme | Shropshire Council
