• This document explains what Safer Walking is and how it can help you.
  • Safer Walking is a framework and website that supports people at risk of going missing.
  • It includes information, tools, and a profile form.
  • It is designed for people with dementia, neurodivergence, disability, or anyone who may be at risk of becoming lost.
  • It supports, educates, and reduces the risk for people who may go missing.
  • It is coordinated by New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, some more information about Safer Walking is below.
• You might like to read this document with someone you trust. Like a support worker, friend or family member.

What does Safer Walking- Ka rapa te whai do?

• Safer Walking is an initiative managed by Land Search and Rescue in New Zealand that supports people with cognitive impairments who may wander from getting lost when out and about.
• Walking is good for your health. It helps you to stay active.
• Sometimes, people who are walking can get lost. They may know where they want to go, but might make a mistake. They could go the wrong way or struggle to find their way back.
• Safer Walking is set up to help people who are at risk of getting lost or going missing.
• If you have a condition that makes it hard to concentrate, remember things or make decisions, Safer Walking might be helpful for you.
• If you are not sure, ask someone you trust if they think Safer Walking might help you.
• Safer Walking helps you and your family feel safe by sharing:
  • Tips to stay safe.
  • What to do if a person goes missing.
  • You can share these tips with a family member or friend, so they know how to help you, or search up the tips on: https://saferwalking.nz/
• By following Safer Walking’s tips and advice, you can walk safely and stay independent, and your family or friends will know how to support you.

Below is more information about what Safer Walking offers, and some tips for safety.

The Safer Walking Profile Form

• Find the Safer Walking profile form here: https://saferwalking.nz/safer-walking-profile-form/
• If you are at risk of getting lost or going missing, complete a Safer Walking profile form to help stay safe. Someone you trust can help you fill out the form.
  [A profile form collects important things about a person, a group, or an item.]
• The profile form will help people know about you, to help find you if you get lost.
• If there is an emergency, your family or carer can give the form to the police and helpers.
• Police and helpers will use the information in the form. It will help them find you more quickly.

How to complete the Safer Walking Form

• Your support worker or a family member can help complete this form for you. To complete the form, your carer or family member needs your permission.
  [Permission means you have said yes, it is okay for someone to do something.]
• The form will ask you for:
  • Your name
  • A current photo of you
  • Your address
  • Your age and gender
  • Information on what you look like
  • Your health history
  • The places you like to visit
• This information helps people know about you or look for you if you go missing. It makes it easier for people to find you.
• Ask someone you trust if a Safer Walking Profile form might help you.

Looking after the form

• The form needs to be saved or stored in a safe place.
• Tell your family or caregivers where the form is.
• It needs to be in a place where your caregiver or family can find it quickly, so they can give it to the police who may be helping look for you.
• Sometimes, you will need to update the form.
• Update the form if there is a change to:
  • Your name
  • The photo of you
  • Your address
  • Your age and gender
  • Information on what you look like
  • Your health history
  • The places you like to visit
• You should fill out the form to help keep you safe. Someone you trust can keep the form for you.

More tips on how to stay safe

• Have a daily routine
• Tell people where you are going
• Keep a record or a diary of where you are going
• Walk in a group, such as with your friends or family.
• Do things inside, at home, or as part of a group.
• Avoid busy places that are confusing.

How to get more help

• Talk to your family or carer about how to stay safe and what tools are available to help you.
• Tools include:
  • An identification card or bracelet. (Like a Safer Walking identification card)
  • Mobile phone apps such as Life360 or Google Family Link
  • A radio frequency device, such as a WanderSearch device
  • Bluetooth device SmartTag or Air Tag.
• These tools are just some of the ones you can use, and the names of the tools may change. Contact us for information and support about these tools.
• More information on what tools are available can also be found on the Safer Walking website.

How to contact us

• Visit https://saferwalking.nz/getting-help/
• The Safer Walking team can support you too.
• Call the team on 03 357 4441 or email them at saferwalking@landsar.org.nz.
• Operating hours Monday to Friday (9 am – 5 pm)
• If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech impaired, or find it hard to talk, you can use the New Zealand Relay Service. www.nzrelay.co.nz