Free Dementia Safeguarding Scheme Launched In Mid And East Antrim

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a free Dementia Friendly Safeguarding Scheme offering NFC wristbands and hang tags for people living with dementia. The devices store emergency contact details, helping members of the public quickly contact a family member or carer if someone becomes confused, distressed, or lost.

Free Dementia Safeguarding Scheme In Mid And East Antrim

A new Dementia Safeguarding Scheme in Mid and East Antrim has been launched to give extra peace of mind to families and carers of people living with dementia.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, working alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is offering free wristbands and hang tags for individuals living with dementia.

The specially designed devices use Near Field Communication, known as NFC, to securely store emergency contact details for next of kin.

How The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme Works

The wristbands and hang tags are designed to support independence while improving safety.

If a person living with dementia becomes confused, distressed, or lost, a member of the public can tap the device with a smartphone. This allows them to quickly access emergency contact details and help reunite the person with their family or carer.

The scheme aims to:

• Help people living with dementia stay safe
• Support independence in local communities
• Give carers and families added reassurance
• Encourage a more dementia-friendly borough
• Help members of the public respond quickly and safely

Mayor Welcomes Dementia-Friendly Initiative

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the scheme will help families, carers, and local communities.

He said the simple tools can give peace of mind to those caring for someone with dementia, while also helping people living with the condition remain safe and supported in their local area.

The Mayor also highlighted that dementia can affect people aged 30 to 65, and that around 25,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with the condition.

Dementia Safeguarding Scheme In Mid And East Antrim

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme in Mid and East Antrim is part of the borough’s wider commitment to becoming more dementia friendly.

It follows a pioneering approach by Avon and Somerset Police and has now been introduced locally through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the PSNI.

Residents can apply for the free wristbands and hang tags through the council website.

For more information, how to use NFC, or to register for a device, visit:
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Dementia Friendly Scheme