By KLTV Newsdesk –

Scannable fobs trialled in Wakefield thanks to funding from the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund

A new device designed to help people living with dementia return home safely has been successfully trialled in Wakefield, thanks to funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

Wakefield Hospice, which provides end-of-life care and day support, has introduced scannable fobs to assist disorientated, vulnerable people in getting back to a safe space.

How the ReUnite fobs work

The ReUnite fobs allow passers-by who come across a lost or confused person to scan a code using a smartphone.

This displays the person’s name and up to two emergency contact numbers, enabling a swift response.

The project, which coincides with Dementia Action Week 2025, has been supported through the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund.

This fund reinvests proceeds of crime back into community groups working to make the region safer.

Supporting people and families

Following a visit to the hospice, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the incredible staff at Wakefield Hospice and hear about how this innovation is helping keep people with dementia safe.

“It is always humbling to visit Wakefield Hospice and witness the kindness and compassion with which staff and volunteers care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

“I am proud that we’ve been able to support this important work to better protect and support those living with dementia, as well as provide reassurance to their loved ones.”

Widespread distribution across Wakefield

More than 500 of the devices, which come in fob, wristband, or badge form, have been handed out to individuals and healthcare organisations across the Wakefield district.

The project has been run in partnership with the Wakefield Memory Action Group.

Making a difference in the community

Debby Veigas, Wakefield Hospice End of Life Care Admiral Nurse, said: “After over two years of hard work, we are delighted to have gotten the project off the ground and see the devices being worn across the Wakefield district.

“When a person living with dementia becomes lost or disorientated, it can be a worrying situation not just for them but for their carer and loved ones too.

“ReUnite devices provide an opportunity to reunite these individuals with their loved ones, an easy yet effective tool which we hope will make a big difference to our local community.

“A big thank you to everyone who has been involved with the project, and a special mention to the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund for their initial funding of the project and helping to make this idea a reality – we look forward to seeing the benefits the project can bring to our local community and potentially even further afield in the months ahead.”