Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Day Planned at New County Hall

A day focused on mental health, suicide prevention and open conversation is taking place in Truro later this month.

Event at New County Hall

Cornwall Council is inviting people to attend an open day at New County Hall on Monday, January 19, running from 10am to 4pm.

The event will bring together the Cornwall Council Public Health team alongside Cornwall Mind, the Healthy Cornwall training team, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, Samaritans and the Cornwall Council Health and Wellbeing team.

Visitors will be able to learn about mental health support, suicide intervention training and the Orange Button community scheme.

Suicide Memorial Quilt on Display

The Cornwall Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt will be on display throughout the day, offering a space for reflection, remembrance and conversation.

After January 19, the quilt will remain at New County Hall until February 13, before moving to St Johns Hall until March 6. It will then be displayed at Chy Trevail.

What Is the Orange Button Scheme?

The Orange Button Community Scheme allows people experiencing mental ill health, having thoughts of suicide or worried about someone else to ask for help.

People wearing the distinctive orange badge have completed suicide prevention or mental health first aid training. While they cannot provide counselling, they can listen and help signpost to relevant services.

The Orange Button can also be displayed in email signatures to show that someone is trained and available to help.

Training Linked to the Scheme

The scheme is linked to training courses funded through Healthy Cornwall, including:

• Mental Health First Aid

• Mental Health First Aid Youth

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

• Suicide First Aid

People who have completed at least three hours of quality assured suicide prevention training are eligible to take part.

More details and booking information are available via the Healthy Cornwall training page.

Becoming an Orange Button Holder

Participation in the scheme is voluntary. Training costs are covered by Public Health, although training manuals do carry a charge.

Once training is completed, individuals can wear the Orange Button badge or add the graphic to their email signature. Participants also receive a resource pack with information on local support services and self-care.

Anyone who has already completed relevant training may be contacted by Healthy Cornwall about joining the scheme.

For further information, Cornwall Council has asked people to email suicideprevention@cornwall.gov.uk.