How the Herbert Protocol helps find vulnerable loved ones in Northumbria
Learn about Northumbria Police's latest initiative to locate vulnerable missing people quickly. Discover the Herbert Protocol, how it works, and how you can register online.
We understand the challenges faced by families caring for vulnerable relatives, particularly those living with conditions such as dementia. That’s why Home Instead Tyne Valley is keen to support Northumbria Police’s latest initiative aimed at helping families find missing vulnerable people more quickly. By promoting the use of the Herbert Protocol through the newly adopted ‘Safe and Found Online’ system, this initiative can provide a vital safety net for those living with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
What is the Herbert Protocol?
Have you heard of the Herbert Protocol? The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to help locate vulnerable individuals who may go missing. Named after George Herbert, a World War II veteran who often went missing due to living with dementia, the protocol involves filling out a form with essential information about the individual at risk.
This form, which can be completed by carers, family members, friends, or the vulnerable person themselves, contains critical details such as:
– A recent photograph and physical description
– Medical conditions and any medications required
– Favourite locations or places the person is likely to visit
– Contact details of friends and family members
The purpose is simple: to ensure that if a vulnerable person goes missing, police officers can immediately access all the information they need to find them quickly.
Contact your local police station to find a form or you can also find the forms on Northumbria Police’s website.
How ‘Safe and Found Online’ enhances the Herbert Protocol
Starting Monday, 29th July 2024, Northumbria Police also enhanced the effectiveness of the Herbert Protocol by using the Safe and Found Online system. This secure platform allows families to upload vital information about their loved ones directly to a centralised database accessible to the police during a search.
By combining the Herbert Protocol with Safe and Found Online, the process of locating a missing person becomes faster and more efficient. In an emergency, the police can access accurate, up-to-date information at the click of a button, significantly improving the chances of a quick and safe return.
Why this initiative is important
Every second counts when a vulnerable person, such as someone with dementia, goes missing. Traditionally, information about missing persons was kept on paper forms, which could be hard to find in an emergency. The introduction of Safe and Found Online eliminates this issue by securely storing details in a digital format, ensuring they are instantly available to officers.
While digital registration is encouraged, paper forms are still available for those without internet access, ensuring no one is left out.
How to use the Herbert Protocol with Safe and Found Online
To take advantage of this important initiative visit Safe and Found Online to fill out the form with relevant details about your vulnerable loved one, such as physical characteristics, medical conditions, and favourite locations.
If you prefer not to register online, contact your local police station to find a form or you can find the forms on Northumbria Police’s website. You can then also decide to keep the form completed, ready to share if needed.
Join us in raising awareness of this vital initiative
Home Instead Tyne Valley encourages all families caring for vulnerable loved ones to take advantage of the Herbert Protocol. By taking this simple step of completing a form, you can provide crucial information that could make all the difference in finding a missing person quickly and safely.
For more information visit the Northumbria Police website,
Contact us in Tyne Valley
Learn more about our home care services and specialist dementia care by calling our award winning team at our Hexham office.
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