ACROSS Hereford and Worcestershire more than 650 people have been trained to wear the Orange Button.
The orange button wearers have been trained to support people who have suicidal thoughts.
Two wearers, Katrina and Euan have shared their stories with two videos that were released last week.
Orange Button wearers are there to listen, guide people to support and reduce the stigma by talking openly about suicide.
Katrina, from Worcestershire, said: “Back in 2018 we had a supplier that sadly completed suicide.
I just felt completely stuck at how to deal with it for myself and how to deal with it for my colleagues.
“The Orange Button scheme is a way to let people know that you are somebody that they can approach to talk about suicide.
“Every person who wears the Orange Button has the opportunity to save a life.
“Through wearing it I had a colleague approach me who was in crisis.
“It’s humbling that I’ve made a difference and by wearing the Orange Button, that person is still here.”
Lisa McNally, the Council’s director of public health said: “I’d like to thank Katrina and Euan for sharing their experiences and agreeing to feature in these videos.
“Each personal story is incredibly inspiring. I hope these stories will encourage others to become Orange Button wearers too.”
Visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/orangebutton to watch the videos.
