In Somerset, we believe that suicide is everyone’s business. For over 20 years, our local suicide rate has sadly been higher than the national average. Every year, between 60 and 65 people in our county die by suicide, and each of those lives lost leaves a deep impact on families, friends, colleagues, and our entire community.
But there is hope. We know that most people who die by suicide are not in touch with mental health services. Often, they are people we see every day—in the shop, at the office, or at the school gates. This is why the Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy is focused on bringing our communities together.
One of the most visible ways Somerset is harnessing the power of community is through the Orange Button scheme.
What is the Orange Button?
If you see someone wearing a small orange pin badge or spot an orange button sticker in a shop window, it means that person has been trained in suicide awareness.
An Orange Button wearer isn’t a counsellor or a doctor, and they won’t try to “fix” everything. However, they are someone who:
- is okay to hear the word “suicide” without being shocked.
- will listen to you without judgment.
- knows how to help you find the right professional support in Somerset.
If you are feeling overwhelmed
It can be hard to confide in someone when we are struggling with suicidal feelings. You might worry about being a burden or feel that no one will understand.
If you see someone wearing the button, you can feel confident in approaching them. When you start a conversation, you are speaking with someone who has the skills to listen safely and help you find a way forward. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Would you like to wear the button?
Together, we can make Somerset a “suicide-safe” place, and the more button holders there are, the stronger our safety net becomes. The scheme is open to everyone—whether you are an individual who wants to help your neighbours or a local business that wants to support your staff and customers.
Becoming a holder is a straightforward process:
Get Trained: To wear the button, you just need to have completed at least three hours of quality-assured mental health or suicide prevention training. Somerset Public Health funds Suicide Alertness courses, so cost isn’t a barrier.
Sign Up: Once you’ve done your training, you can apply for your Orange Button pack here. Your pack will include your badge, a window sticker, and a resource guide to help you signpost people to the right places.
You can find a full list of upcoming free training sessions on the Every Life Matters Eventbrite page
We are here for you
If you need support right now, or if you’re worried about someone else, you don’t have to wait to see a button. You can call Mindline Somerset any time of the day or night on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. We are always here to listen.