Gateshead Cares: Keeping Gateshead Residents Who Wander Safe with Lumiio

Gateshead Council estimates that almost 1,150 residents are living with dementia. Considering that 70% of those with dementia will wander at least once during the progression of the condition, many vulnerable individuals in Gateshead are at risk of wandering and becoming lost. In an effort to keep their residents safe, Gateshead Council is partnering with Lumiio on an exciting trial of their own Smart Dementia Safeguarding Wristbands.

What is discussed in this article:

• How is Gateshead supporting those affected by dementia?
• What is the Gateshead Smart Dementia Safeguarding Wristband?
• What to look out for?

Supporting those Affected by Dementia in Gateshead

Gateshead is already actively working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly area, supporting their most vulnerable residents through charities like Alzheimer's Society and Age UK. There are already memory clinics and other support networks designed to provide that extra level of assistance not only for individuals living with dementia but also those who love and care for them.

Not only is there existing support, Gateshead Council has also developed their Gateshead Adult Caregivers Strategy in recognition of the huge contribution that unpaid carers provide in supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents. The council has outlined five priorities to support unpaid carers in Gateshead: valuing caregivers, employment and education, money and finances, information and advice, and the health of caregivers. This is crucial now more than ever, as Gateshead Council has projected that by 2047 there will be an increase of 17% of individuals who are aged 65 and over. With an already aging population, and significant increase on the horizon, demand for extra support in social care is a key issue.

The Gateshead Dementia Smart Wristband

In accordance with Gateshead Council’s efforts to become a Dementia Friendly area and their Adult Caregivers Strategy, they have worked with Lumiio to launch a pilot initiative for a Gateshead Dementia Wristband.

This smart safeguarding wristband is designed to support independence and peace of mind not only for those living with dementia but also their loved ones and carers. Lumiio’s NFC enabled IDs provide instant and secure access to a vulnerable individual’s essential personal information, this includes their name, two emergency contacts, and key details such as diagnosis and communication preferences. This will aid Gateshead Council’s shift towards early support and crisis prevention.

“When your loved one is living with dementia, it can be scary to know how to keep them safe." Says Steph Downey, Strategic Director for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council.

“We’re proud to be trialling these wristbands in Gateshead, which hope to offer reassurance to the families and carers of people living with dementia, as well as the individual themselves. It also supports us on our mission to make Gateshead a dementia friendly borough – where everyone living with dementia can feel safe and supported." 

“While the initial trial is limited, anyone who knows someone living with dementia can complete the Herbert Protocol form online, which is used nationwide to help share essential information with the police if their loved one goes missing.”

Access information about the Herbert Protocol and complete it here!

To support those prone to wandering who live with dementia in Gateshead, you can simply tap and hold a smartphone against their smart wristband to retrieve their essential emergency information.

What to Look Out For?

Gateshead Council is rolling out a 200-wristband trial of this initiative beginning in Dementia Action Week 2026. The Gateshead Smart Dementia Safeguarding Wristbands are in the classic Soft-Touch wristwatch style, in dementia forget-me-not blue and branded with the Gateshead Cares logo. Each wristband has the call-to-action text ‘Help Me Get Home, Tap for Info’, so anyone who encounters a vulnerable individual wearing a wristband knows how to help.

Interested in Lumiio?

Learn more about previous and ongoing partnerships via our Partnerships Page and Lumiio News. To get in contact with the Lumiio team, reach out at hello@lumiio.io or call 02045511450. If you are looking to partner with Lumiio, fill out this partnership form. Alternatively, view our FAQ page for commonly asked questions and key information.