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21 July 2026
A new scheme to help people living with dementia who become lost get reunited with their loved ones is being launched in a Yorkshire first.
It is the brainchild of charities Wakefield Hospice and Wakefield Memory Action Group who are rolling it out after a successful trial thanks to funding from Wakefield & District Safeguarding Adults Board through the Community Investment Gateway.
A person with dementia is given a small purple tag or badge to wear or a watch-type strap on their wrist.
If they get lost or need help while on their own, almost anyone with a smartphone can simply tap their phone against the tag and their next of kin or carer’s contacts details are displayed.
A phone just needs to have NFC enabled and tags cost a one-off cost of just £9.99.
Trinity Walk is the first major partner to back the innovative new scheme as it welcomes more than 11million visits a year including many people with dementia.
Jan Archbold of Wakefield Memory Action Group established the idea before joining forces with the hospice.
She wants everyone to know about the project right across the country and said: “I’d seen similar type scheme elsewhere in the country which gave me the seed of idea for Wakefield and Yorkshire. Thanks to the amazing people at Wakefield Hospice and generous funding from the Wakefield & District Safeguarding Adults Board, and before that the Mayor of West Yorkshire, everyone fully bought into it.
“The response we had from the trial was amazing so now the big job is getting this known far and wide because it can save people so much worry, anxiety and maybe even save a life.”
Wakefield Hospice developed the project with Jan and Debby Veigas, Admiral Nurse at the hospice, said: “Sadly, it’s all too common that a person living with dementia becomes disorientated or lost, with them being worried, confused and stressed. Those same feelings are also felt by the loved ones and staff caring for that person.
“We know lots of people want to help, but often don’t know how – so we’re making it easy. Tap, read, call. Within seconds a person could be reunited with those looking after them through a call or text.
“Trinity Walk welcomes millions of visitors and naturally a lot of people pass through the centre, so making staff and customers aware will massively increase awareness of the ReUnite devices which Jan has worked so passionately on with us.”
James White, Centre Manger of Trinity Walk, added: “Like many people I’ve had first-hand experience of how dementia can impact the person’s life and those around them, so anything that can make life easier – maybe even improve it – can only be a good thing.
“We’re delighted to be part of this and the work Wakefield MAG, the Hospice and funders have done is incredible – it shows what can be done when Wakey works together.”
To find out more or order a device see www.wakefieldhospice.org/reunite and watch the film here at https://youtu.be/Q_wFpHKS4a8?si=rJTEWgo2gKYq1Bci
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