Smart Wristbands to Help Safeguard People Living with Dementia in Cambridgeshire

Hundreds of people living with dementia in Cambridgeshire will soon receive smart wristbands as part of a new initiative aimed at improving safety and offering peace of mind to families and carers.

People living with dementia in St Neots and across Cambridgeshire are set to benefit from a new safeguarding scheme using smart wristbands to help keep them safe while maintaining their independence.

Supported by Cambridgeshire Police, the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme will see yellow wristbands issued to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. The bands use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to store the wearer’s next of kin contact details. If someone appears lost or confused, members of the public can simply tap the band with a smartphone to access the information and help reunite them with loved ones—often without needing to involve emergency services.

With over 10,000 people living with dementia in Cambridgeshire, including many in St Neots and the surrounding villages, the scheme launches in time for Dementia Action Week (19–25 May). No registration is required—wristbands will be distributed in partnership with the NHS and other agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Savill from the Protecting Vulnerable People unit said the scheme could make a real difference:

“These wristbands are a simple but powerful tool to get people back to safety quickly, while easing the pressure on emergency services.”

The initiative complements the Herbert Protocol, a scheme encouraging families to complete a form with key details such as a photo, medical needs, and familiar places. This helps police respond swiftly if someone with dementia goes missing. 

DCI Savill added:

“If you care for someone with dementia, please take a moment to complete the Herbert Protocol form. You may never need it—but if you do, it could save valuable time and bring them home faster.”