Have you seen anyone in your local community across Lancashire wearing an Orange Button, pictured above, and wondered what it is for? Perhaps you have seen a prominent orange button sticker in the window of a café or other business?

The Orange Button scheme is a fantastic initiative, all about helping people who may be struggling with their mental health or having suicidal thoughts.

Talking about suicide is scary for many people, it is a sensitive topic. But it's one that needs to be discussed if we want to help reduce the number of people who die by suicide.

There are specially trained people across Lancashire who wear the Orange Button and can be approached for advice on where to seek the correct help.

If you are struggling with your mental health anywhere across Lancashire, people wearing an Orange Button have been specifically trained to help you.

Wearers are not counsellors but they will listen without judgement, offer support, and can signpost you to the help you may need. It’s a great scheme - I wear one myself.

Frances Riley, public health development manager, at Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The Orange Button is a simple but effective way of letting your community know you have undertaken some suicide intervention training to support others.

"And as a holder, you are prepared to help or be asked for help. You can become a holder by accessing our fully funded mental health and suicide prevention training offer in BwD.” For more information go to 'Mental Health Training for Adults - Be Well BWD' online.

In Pendle, Courtney Wright from Positive Action in the Community (PAC) added: "We work with Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria to offer the Orange Button scheme to anyone trained in our suicide prevention/ mental health courses.

"In the past year more than 200 delegates have been provided with an Orange Button by PAC to be that trusted individual within the community. Wearing it is a privilege and is noted by others to help signpost and support those experiencing suicidal thoughts or poor mental health."

If you feel you could help others by becoming trained in suicide prevention, then feel free to contact the organisations above.

And remember, if you are struggling, there is lots of help out there, right across the region, just look for someone wearing the Orange Button.

Next week I am going to be talking about some great local groups that can help you feel more connected if you are on your own.

If you feel you may be in danger of harming yourself or others you can also contact your GP, go to A&E or call the Samaritans on 116 123.