Dementia Action Week in the UK aims to raise awareness about dementia, encourage early diagnosis, and promote action on dementia.
The Herbert Protocol is a vital tool for families and care providers of individuals with dementia. During Dementia Action Week, it’s important to understand its purpose and how it can help.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
The initiative is named after George Herbert, a War veteran of the Normandy landings, who had dementia and sadly died while he was ‘missing’ on his way to his childhood home.
The Herbert Protocol’s main intention is to speed up and simplify the response of the Police and Lowland Rescue when an individual is reported missing, ensuring that the right information is readily available so that the search can be targeted appropriately.
Someone close to the person, could be a family member, friend or carer can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as their required medicine, mobile numbers, places previously located, a recent photograph and so forth.
For those that are caring for someone with dementia, it makes sure in the event a person goes missing, the police can gain access to essential information promptly. Remembering all sorts of information at times like this can be very distressing for those involved and when being asked by a police officer, adds to the stress and upset caused. The information contained within these forms aims to relieve some of that stress. It also saves time for the police and Lowland Rescue, allowing the search to start sooner.
The ultimate aim of the Herbert Protocol is for the police and Lowland Rescue agencies to locate the individual more quickly, safeguard them more effectively, and return them to safety before any harm can come to them.
Every 90 seconds someone is reported missing in the UK. It is estimated that around 40,000-60,000 people with dementia go missing annually in the UK. This number is an estimate, and it can vary depending on the region and the support available for people with dementia. However, it is worth noting that Essex Search & Rescue (Lowland Rescue) has the second highest callout log in the UK.
Adults with care and support needs deserve their independence and The Herbert Protocol can help to reassure family, friends and carers that if their loved one or cared for person does go missing, they can quickly pass essential information to the police and other search agencies.
Click Here for a copy of the Herbert Protocol Form. When you keep this form, it’s advisable to keep it in a safe place. In the unlikely event it is needed, then hand this over to the Police or Lowland Rescue immediately.
Further information on the Herbert Protocol can be found through Essex Police or Suffolk Police
