Wychavon Champions Herbert Protocol Awareness
Wychavon is proudly supporting an important initiative focused on raising awareness for the Herbert Protocol, a significant national scheme dedicated to protecting individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s who may go missing.
A heartfelt event was held in Droitwich Spa on Friday, 4 July, uniting local partners who are deeply committed to addressing a vital concern in the community.
The Protocol serves as an invaluable resource for caregivers, enabling them to compile essential information, including medications and frequently visited locations. By equipping families with this information to share with the police, efforts can be accelerated to locate missing persons, reducing the emotional strain on families during such a challenging time.
Cllr Rick Deller is championing Droitwich Spa to become a dementia-friendly town for personal reasons – his dad was diagnosed with dementia 14 years ago. Cllr Deller has seen his father go from a man who could build and design kitchens from scrap wood, to now being unable to find his way out of a bathroom. He understands more than most the need for the community to come together to support the Herbert Protocol.
Organised by Cllr Deller, this event showcased a collaborative effort that brought together key community organisations, including West Mercia Police, Deputy Mayor Sue Brazier, Age UK Wyvern, Platform Housing, Droitwich Spa CVS, Worcestershire Association for Carers, The Salvation Army, the King George Meeting Centre, and many more local groups.
With a staggering 944,000* individuals currently living with dementia in the UK—and with 70% likely to go missing at least once in their lives—the Herbert Protocol is more crucial than ever for families and caregivers. Every year, around 40,000 people are reported missing for the first time in the UK, highlighting the urgency and importance of initiatives like this.
Rick Deller, Wychavon councillor, said: “As a community, we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our loved ones. My father went missing a few years ago, and the Herbert Protocol will offer peace of mind to me and my family if we ever need to alert the police again. By coming together as a group, we can create a meaningful change in our community and ensure that everyone has the support they need during times of crisis. Please make sure you sign up.”
For anyone interested in learning how to protect their loved ones, please visit: https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/health-and-wellbeing/herbert-protocol
Wychavon is also expanding its Defy Dementia campaign to other areas across Wychavon, including Droitwich Spa. Defy Dementia, launched by the Wychavon District Health Collaborative, aims to reduce the fear surrounding the condition and to highlight the range of local support available.
* Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/rightcare-dementia-scenario/
Read also: Defy Dementia Wychavon campaign: https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/health-and-wellbeing/defy-dementia-campaign
Date: 9 July 2025