There is nothing more distressing than a loved one going missing. For people caring for someone with dementia this can become a regular occurrence.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme adopted by several police forces, including Sussex Police.
The initiative is named after George Herbert, a Second World War veteran, who lived with dementia and repeatedly went missing from his care home.
It encourages carers or next of kin to compile and keep useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
The Herbert Protocol form is to be completed by a family member, carer or close friend of those affected by dementia. It asks for vital information about the vulnerable person, including regular routines, favourite places to visit, and details about their physical health and current medical conditions.
Once complete, the form should be kept in a safe place and handed to a police officer at the time the person is reported missing.
The scheme will help to protect and keep safe vulnerable people in the community.
If you are concerned for the whereabouts of a person, please dial 101. If you feel the person may be in immediate danger, please call 999 as soon as possible.
For more information visit Sussex Police.