Herbert Scheme launched to help find vulnerable people

Saturday 30 June 2018

Guernsey Police are rolling out an initiative which aims to help find vulnerable people, such as those living with dementia, if they go missing.

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme which aims to make information readily available to Police that will help them to locate the person as soon as possible.

Forms will be handed out to carers for them to fill in – just in case their loved one or person they care for goes missing.

The initiative is named after George Herbert, a Second World War veteran of the Normandy Landings, who lived with dementia and repeatedly went missing while trying to return to his childhood home.

The form gives the carer or family the opportunity to fill in vital information about the person, including their full details, regular routines, places they may be connected to and details around their physical health or medical conditions.  All of which would be of use to the Police in the event that they are called in to assist with the search.

It was launched this week a Highfield House care home where manager of the home, Guy Mitchel, said: "We are a dementia specialist unit and fully support this, it is all about having all information available should the worst happen and someone go missing. It is about reacting quickly that is the key point."

Pictured: Left to right: Wayne Bupitt, Alison Mauger and Guy Mitchel.

Guernsey Police are working with Dementia Friendly Guernsey to launch the scheme locally.

Sergeant Alison Mauger of Guernsey Police said: "This scheme will be hugely beneficial in helping us locate vulnerable missing people.  Not only will it save time in terms of the search operation itself, but it will save the family or carer having to remember vital details at a time when they will understandably be distressed and worried.

"I would strongly advise anyone living in the Bailiwick who has a loved one with dementia or cares for someone who may be vulnerable to fill in the form – even if that individual has never gone missing before. By doing so, they will give officers immediate access to information should it ever be needed, enabling them to act fast and locate them as soon as possible."

Wayne Bulpitt, Chair of Dementia Friendly Guernsey, said: "Many people with dementia want to remain as independent as possible.  However, memory problems can make people feel disorientated, and mean that they go missing unexpectedly.  Keeping a record of essential information all in one place to give to the Police if needed can help carers be as prepared as possible and provide them with greater peace of mind."

Pictured: Left to right: Wayne Bupitt, Alison Mauger and Guy Mitchel at Highfield Care Home.