A short while ago I reached out on a few different social media platforms to get an understanding on people’s awareness of the Herbert Protocol and if they’d ever heard of it. Until my amazing sister’s recent, early onset dementia, diagnosis, I’d never heard of it either and not seen it in action.
I’d seen a leaflet about it, and once I’d read into it and what it does, I immediately wanted to get involved and raise the awareness of this wonderful piece of kit. Within a couple of days of enquiring, I was put in touch with two local officers, Jess and Nick from Durham Constabulary, who are also working hard on the scheme.
The Herbert Protocol is a safeguarding wristband and tag scheme to help those with a dementia diagnosis, their families and carers. The bands and tags hold critical, important information on a chip, so if someone goes missing it can be used to reunite them safely and quickly with their family and carers. It provides a simple way for individuals to be identified as needing help while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity. The bright yellow wristbands and tags can help towards making a safer and more supportive environment once the band or tag is seen.
If a smartphone is held close to a tag or wristband, the important information will appear on the phone, no batteries are needed, no charging is required and no information is given unless the phone is held close to the chip. Our aim is to make people aware, if they see someone wearing a wristband or see a tag attached to a coat or bag, they know what it is. Not everyone may be lost or disorientated, but then someone might be.
For further information or any questions about the Herbert Protocol, please contact the team on: herbertprotocol@durham.police.uk