PEOPLE living with dementia and those around them know how many challenges it can bring to the lives of all those affected.

However, a scheme launched by an Atherton charity is providing a helping hand for sufferers.

The Good Deeds Trust, otherwise known as Dementia Buddy, was set up by Mark and Karen Aldred, former mayor and mayoress of Wigan.

The charity’s initial aim was to provide support to families in the Wigan borough affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory issues. They set up Dementia Cafes, where families could meet for a coffee and talk to people going through similar difficulties.

Through the Dementia Cafes, the trust came to realise that those living with these issues were keen to retain as much independence as possible, for as long as possible, but were discouraged by the fact that their loved ones would worry about them if they went out alone.

At the same time, their loved ones were, indeed, very fearful that the sufferer might forget where they live or where they were going and hence were reluctant to allow them to go out alone.

The Trust therefore developed the Guardian Angel Devices which are now sold nationwide.

These devices come in the form of a wristband, badge, keyring or bag/zip tag. They are pre-programmed with the first name of the sufferer and the telephone number of their designated emergency contact. This can be their carer, next of kin, or any other person who they trust.

If the person wearing the Guardian Angel Device goes out and gets distressed, disorientated or lost, any member of the public who has a mobile phone with short-range wireless connectivity – found on androids and iPhones – can hold their phone over the device and immediately be able to telephone the carer or loved one of the person with dementia.

There is no need for members of the public to download any app to their phone - they simply need to hover their phone above the device.

The devices therefore enable the wearer to be reunited with their family as quickly as possible and with the least amount of distress.

They are particularly useful with early onset dementia, when the person affected by this condition is still going about their day-to-day life, but is at risk of getting distressed or confused.

Greater Manchester Police Force and Lancashire Police Force, as well as the fire service and various other organisations, are trained to look for these devices too. So, even if a member of the public does not have a mobile phone, the emergency services can use the device to reunite the sufferer with their family far more quickly than if the sufferer does not have one.

In June, Good Deeds Trust celebrate a landmark, with more than 1,000 of the £5 wristbands being issued to families so far.

The use of the devices is being expanded across the UK, including supporting people with dementia in Bolton.

Town-based Fieldings Porter Solicitors joined the charity at Horwich RMI’s Dementia Cafe in September.

The team were at the cafe, run by Bolton Dementia Support, to talk to people affected by the condition, including legal issues and experiences of living with the illnesses, and handing out the Guardian Angel Device to take away for free.

Fieldings solicitor Lucy Dunning said: “The feedback we received about the devices was fantastic.

“Fieldings Porter Solicitors has a highly trained private client department, advising clients about matters such as wills, lasting powers of attorney and court of protection applications.

“It is because of this work that we are aware of the struggles faced by those who are suffering from dementia-related illnesses and we strive to do all that we can to assist during what can often be a very confusing and distressing time.

“We believe that the Guardian Angel Devices can offer a real sense of comfort to suffers and their loved ones, which is why we have committed to purchasing 100 Guardian Angel Devices to be given free of charge to those suffering with dementia related illnesses in Bolton and other local areas.”

Fieldings still has devices available to give away for free.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Lucy on 01204 540900 or email lucy.dunning@fieldingsporter.co.uk, and must provide the following details: Name, address and telephone number of the emergency contact; name and address of the person with dementia (or other similar issues); and which device they would like to receive (wristband; badge; key ring or bag/zip tag).

Fieldings Porter Solicitors will then post the Guardian Angel Device to the emergency contact.

Those who get a device can also choose to have a free Fire Safety Check performed by Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. For more information about the devices and The Good Deeds Trust visit gooddeedstrust.co.uk, or for local support visit boltondementiasupport.btck.co.uk.