Families and carers of people with dementia are encouraged to register for a free safeguarding scheme during Dementia Action Week.
Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire and Rescue Service strengthen their partnership to protect vulnerable individuals at home and in the community.
The Avon and Somerset Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, established in 2015, includes the Herbert Protocol, which allows families and carers to share key information such as medication, contacts, addresses, and a recent photo. This enables police to respond quickly if someone with dementia goes missing.
Eligible people registered with the scheme can request free assistance devices, including Life360 Bluetooth Tracking Tiles to help locate someone if they go missing, and NFC wristbands or tags that can be scanned by someone helping them to access their key information to help get them to safety.
Inspector Stuart King KPM, who leads the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme for Avon and Somerset Police, said:
“Dementia-related missing person incidents can be extremely high risk and often require an urgent, resource-intensive response from police and other emergency services.
“The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme helps us take preventative action before a crisis happens. By registering in advance, families and carers can give us vital information we can use straight away if someone living with dementia is reported missing, helping officers to search the right places sooner and reduce the risk of harm.
“The free assistance devices provide another layer of protection, while our partnership with Avon Fire & Rescue Service means families can also access wider home safety support through the same process.
“Most importantly, this scheme helps safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in our communities by preventing missing incidents or reducing how long a person is missing. In turn, it also helps reduce preventable demand on policing, meaning frontline officers can spend more time responding to crime, protecting victims and dealing with urgent calls for service.”
Steve Quinton, Head of Prevention & Protection for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Our Home Fire Safety Visits play a vital role in helping people stay safe at home, and we know that individuals living with dementia can face a higher risk. By working closely with our police colleagues, we can make sure families and carers receive joined‑up support at the earliest opportunity.
“This partnership means we can identify vulnerability sooner, offer tailored fire‑safety advice, and ensure people get the right help from the right service when they need it most.”
The scheme has become a leading example of proactive safeguarding for dementia patients and has been adopted across the UK.
A recent study published in ‘Innovation in Ageing’ shows that it reduces missing incidents, safeguards individuals, and lessens police demand.
It was featured on BBC Crimewatch.
To register, visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/dementia-safeguarding-scheme-herbert-protocol. In emergencies, call 999.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police