The Orange Button Scheme and Time to Talk Day 2026

Partners from across the system are coming together to shine a light on the Orange Button Scheme throughout February – starting with Time to Talk Day!

We’re sharing information about the Orange Button Scheme to promote open conversations around mental health using these resources:

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Orange Button Community Scheme – Resource Library.

Thursday 5th February – Time to Talk Day:

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation held at the beginning of February every year by Rethink Mental Illness and Mind. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.

 Many of us will already have plans for the day, but we want Time to Talk Day to be the start of a longer conversation.  Have a look at our Orange Button social media assets, template social posts and graphics to start the conversation in your community or workplace.  You can also visit Mind’s website for activities and actions you can take on Time to Talk day and in the weeks after.

Orange Button Scheme – share, share and share again this February!

We now have over 1,000 people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire wearing an orange button – they are trained to listen if you’re finding life tough or are worried about someone. They can share information and resources that can help.

Partners and orange button wearers have given clear feedback; more people in our communities need to know what the Orange Button means. This February look out for Orange Button adverts in community spaces like libraries and bus stops near you. But we need your help to spread the word further! Here’s what we’re asking:

• Download our resources to share within your networks
• Schedule Orange Button social media posts using our graphics and templates
• Put information about the scheme in your newsletter
• Display the Orange Button advert on your communal screens
• Raise awareness with colleagues using our Orange Button Scheme teams background

All the resources you need for these actions are here: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Orange Button Community Scheme – Resource Library.

Please contact suicidepreventionprogramme@worcestershire.gov.uk if you have other ideas you want to explore or if you need support, for example graphics in different sizes.