Causeway Dementia Scheme Wins PSNI Problem-Solving Award

Age Concern Causeway has been awarded a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Problem Solving Award for its Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, which utilises QR code wristbands to assist vulnerable individuals. The initiative, active in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, was recognised at the annual awards ceremony, which celebrates effective community safety projects.

The scheme provides individuals living with dementia with a blue wristband containing a QR code. This code, when scanned, provides access to essential information provided by carers, family, or friends, which can be used to assist the individual if they become lost or require help.

Causeway Coast and Glens Chief Inspector Vince Redmond praised the initiative: "With so many community-based support services available to the public, it's important that the hard-work of the people behind these services is recognised." He highlighted the effectiveness of the wristbands in quickly identifying and assisting individuals with dementia. "With the launch of Age Concern Causeway's blue wristband initiative in September of last year, this initiative assists members of the public and emergency services to quickly identify individuals who need assistance and make contact with loved ones or carers," he said.

The project was developed in collaboration with dementia support groups, ensuring the wristbands' design and functionality met the needs of those they were intended to help.

"The project was developed in collaboration with dementia support groups, who provided valuable feedback during engagement sessions on the design and functionality of the wristbands, which have been an invaluable tool, to those vulnerable individuals who suffer from memory loss." Chief Inspector Redmond said.

Plans are now underway to expand the scheme across Northern Ireland, with discussions involving the Health Minister and Trust representatives. "The initiative demonstrates a successful community-focused approach to supporting vulnerable individuals and enhancing public awareness, and I am delighted to say we have been the first District in Northern Ireland to offer this," Chief Inspector Redmond added.

For more information or to register and avail of the FREE blue wristband, visit the Age Concern Causeway website here: accauseway.org/.