CHESHIRE Police is urging the friends and family members of those living with dementia to sign up to the Herbert Protocol as part of Dementia Action Week which takes place from Monday, May 20 to Sunday, May 26.

The scheme was launched by the force in April 2017 as part of its continuing commitment to be dementia friendly.

Under the scheme carers, family members and friends of those with dementia are encouraged to complete an online form to record vital details about that person in case they ever go missing.

Chief inspector Simon Newell said: “While two incidents might not sound like much, that is two families that have been reunited with a loved one and two lives which have potentially been saved as a result of completing a simple online form.

“The forms give officers the information and details they require when a person with dementia goes missing, enabling them to be found quicker as well as helping to free up valuable police time and resources.”

When completing the form carers are asked to include a photograph of the person, any medication they require, contact phone numbers and key information about places they like to visit, where they used to live and work, their routine and where have been found previously (if applicable).

This means that if the person is ever reported to the police as missing, all their vital information can be accessed instantly and handed to officers.

Since its inception, the forms have already been downloaded 11,500 times and the scheme has been used successfully on at least two occasions – and in both instances the victims have been located safe and well.

There has also been a number of other examples where the information contained within the forms has been used by carers to help locate an individual without the requirement to contact police.

Since the scheme was launched a large number of PCSO’s have trained as Dementia Friends Champions and have delivered training sessions to their colleagues and community groups to help raise awareness of the Dementia and learn about what they can do make a difference.

Police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the UK, yet many people do not understand what it is and what impact it has on those who live with it.

“Many people think that dementia is purely about memory loss and believe that there is nothing they can do to help, but that is simply not the case. We can all do something to support those living with dementia in our communities, including signing up to the Herbert Protocol.

“By spending five minutes filling in a simple form you can help ensure that officers are equipped with the right information at the right time should your loved one ever be reported missing, which could prove critical.”

To find out more about the Herbert Protocol, or to register a friend or family member, visit the

Cheshire Police website

.