New Dementia Safeguarding Scheme launched in Lisburn and Castlereagh

placeholder image — Pictured) back (l-r) Inspector Sam Davison PSNI, (Lisburn & Castlereagh); Chief Fire Officer, Aidan Jennings, Fire Service; Mr Jim O’ Hagan, Chief Executive, Libraries NI; front (l-r) Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of our Communities & Wellbeing committee; Cllr Gretta Thompson, LCCC’s Age Friendly Champion and Councillor Alan Martin, Chair of our PCSP.

This local dementia safeguarding scheme provides specially designed wristbands and hang tags free of charge for individuals living with dementia. These devices help to support independence and improve safety of these individuals within the community.

Avon and Somerset Police pioneered this scheme which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to assist if a person wearing them becomes disorientated or lost. The NFC tags are programmed with emergency contacts for the next of kin, which can be accessed quickly and securely by anyone with the tap of a smartphone.

Families and caregivers of those living with dementia can get peace of mind from the easily identifiable devices of this Dementia Safeguarding Scheme.

Councillor Alan Martin, Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chairman said: "We are proud to support this safeguarding scheme. It complements existing PSNI protocols to locate people with dementia when they go missing. By introducing these simple but effective tools, we are empowering communities to become dementia friendly and help people living with dementia to remain safe and supported by their communities.

“The scheme reflects growing commitment by the council to raise awareness and provide practical support for people living with dementia. Schemes like this, along with wrap-around support in terms of dementia friendly training, can help build community capacity. This is what helps to create a more inclusive and supportive dementia friendly community.”

If a person living with dementia is found in distress or confused, members of the public can easily recognise the wristbands or hang tags and take action to contact the next of kin to reunite them quickly with their family or carer.

Councillor Tim Mitchell, Communities and Wellbeing Chairman added: “Within Lisburn and Castlereagh our percentage of older residents is increasing, and this scheme helps us deliver better, safer communities for all.Dementia is diagnosed in people aged 30 to 65 and currently in Northern Ireland around 25,000 people are currently living with dementia.

“We must prepare our communities as this figure is expected to rise to 37,500 by 2040. By introducing the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme and providing wrap around support we can help our communities become ‘Dementia Friends’. Let us work together to ensure those with dementia are protected and supported.”

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme is a joint initiative between the Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The wristbands and hang tags are free of charge.

For more information about the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, how to use NFC or to register for a device, visit https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/dementiafriendly