Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Devon & Cornwall Police and Memory Matters have teamed up to safeguard people living with dementia in Plymouth.

People with dementia may have trouble remembering places and landmarks or processing new information which increases the risk of them going missing. Inspired by work in other police forces, the new Dementia Safeguarding Scheme hopes to reduce wandering episodes that become missing person searches.

There are currently around 1 million people in the UK living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme will be piloted in Plymouth. It is open to residents in the city who are living with dementia. The individual, or their next-of-kin or carer, with consent, can sign up to the scheme online.

After signing up to the scheme, people are given wearable devices that can help if they get lost or disoriented. They are free of charge thanks to a donation from Memory Matters' charitable arm, Memory Matters Foundation.

The lanyards and wristbands use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that stores basic information about a person, usually contact details for their next of kin or carer. They can be scanned by most smartphones without the need to download an app, allowing anyone to call for help.

The wearer’s data is held on the tag itself, never on an external server. They do not need batteries or charging and will store information for several years.

The Life 360 Tile uses Bluetooth to show the Tile’s last known location. All the information on the Tile is controlled by the owner or those who support them, not the police.

Combined, these devices will help people return home safely and reduce the need for police searches.

Sergeant Dan Timmins, the officer responsible for bringing the scheme to Plymouth, said: “This is a scheme that I hope will empower and safeguard a lot of people to live independently. Living with dementia can be challenging, and we see many people who repeatedly go missing. People with dementia who go missing are extremely vulnerable, and these devices can quickly prevent these individuals from coming to harm, sometimes even before emergency services need to be contacted.

“I want to encourage people to be upstanders and help anyone who looks lost or confused, whether they are wearing one of our devices or not. Taking a few seconds out of your day to check on someone can make a world of difference. Almost anyone with a smartphone can use the NFC tags; all you need to do is hold your phone over the code.

“If you know someone who could benefit from this scheme, please encourage them to sign up.”

Kate Smith, CEO of Memory Matters, said: “Too often, people living with dementia and their families are left carrying the fear and stress of someone becoming lost or disoriented. This scheme is about giving people greater confidence, independence and safety, while also giving families peace of mind.

At Memory Matters, we know how important practical community support is, and projects like this only happen because of fundraising and charitable investment. Through the support of the Memory Matters Foundation, we are proud to help fund devices that can make a real difference to someone’s everyday life and potentially prevent a vulnerable person from coming to harm.

This partnership shows what can happen when charities, communities and public services work together with a shared purpose, helping people with dementia stay connected, supported and safe within their communities.”

For more information and to complete the new online form, visit  Dementia Safeguarding Scheme | Devon & Cornwall Police

Memory Matters support people living with dementia in Plymouth and beyond. They operate through two arms that work hand-in-hand. Memory Matters CIC delivers paid-for services, including Moments Café and training programmes, helping people and professionals connect, learn, and thrive. Memory Matters Foundation ensures vital support reaches those who need it most. Together, CIC and Foundation combine sustainability with compassion, creating a community where everyone affected by dementia feels understood, supported, and empowered. Find out more about their work by visiting. www.memorymatters.org.uk.