In a collaborative effort between Wiltshire Police and its key partners – the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Wiltshire Bobby Van, Alzheimer’s Support, and Carer Support Wiltshire – a significant initiative is taking flight to enhance the safety of individuals with dementia.
The innovative Dementia Safeguarding Wristbands, initially conceptualised by Avon and Somerset Police and successfully launched in 2015, are now being made available to the public in Wiltshire. These smart wristbands aim to speed up the process of locating missing individuals with dementia.
The wristbands, equipped with a microchip, will be distributed to those identified as needing them through channels such as the Wiltshire Bobby Van, Alzheimer’s Support, and Carer Support Wiltshire. Caregivers or family members can load essential information onto the wristband, including the wearer’s name, age, town or village, and next of kin details such as names and phone numbers.
The functionality of the wristbands is straightforward yet impactful. Using a smartphone, a member of the public can easily scan the band, revealing the information stored on the embedded microchip. If the wearer is found in a distressed or vulnerable state, the individual scanning the wristband can promptly contact the noted next of kin.
It’s important to note that these wristbands do not include a GPS tracker or an alarm system, and they are not a substitute for emergency services. They serve as a complementary tool to facilitate quick reunions while minimising police involvement.
Angharad Caton, Missing Persons Co-ordinator with Wiltshire Police, highlighted the purpose of the wristbands, stating that they aim to improve the way people with dementia are found. The hope is that these bands will contribute to quicker and safer reunions with minimal police intervention. However, Caton emphasised that they do not replace the need for friends and families to contact the authorities if a loved one goes missing and concerns for their welfare arise.
The project received partial funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson’s Community Action Fund, with a £2,000 grant contributing to the scheme’s setup.
Commitment to Vulnerable Communities
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the alignment with the work of organisations like Wiltshire Bobby Van, Alzheimer’s Support, and Carer Support Wiltshire in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living with dementia.
Jennie Shaw, Director of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, expressed delight in supporting the initiative, highlighting the importance of collaboration between businesses, charities, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the police force for the benefit of the community.
Sarah Marriott, CEO of Alzheimer’s Support, added that the project is a positive step towards enhancing confidence and independence for those living with dementia, providing reassurance to their caregivers, and supporting continued engagement in their communities.
The Dementia Safeguarding Wristbands initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community-focused projects in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and their caregivers.
For more information and to access a referral form, please go to the Wiltshire Police website.
