Cecilia cared for her family member at home for over 12 years due to their comorbidity health conditions and dual sensory loss, which included remortgaging their home to enable long term needs to be met for both the carer and the cared for. There was never a plan for the diagnosis of dementia which came several years later.

Whilst achieving her own personal ambition to train as a ROVI (Rehabilitation Officer for Visually Impaired) the impact of main carer isolation and lack of statutory service, following the passing of her family member, had her make the decision to use her model of person-centred holistic care to seek advice of the possibilities of establishing her own CIC (Community Interest Company).

‘Sight and Mind CIC’ was established 2017 to support people living with dementia and sensory impairments, and their carers, to provide specialist training for the community, alongside statutory and non statutory services. After continuously seeking funding, Sight & Mind has seen significant changes within its direction, as the referrals and the case loads of Complex Case Management endlessly increase. This highlights the inequalities within local and national Social & Health Care.

Cecilia joined Tide, a UK-wide network for carers of those living with Dementia and is now part of its Advisory Group TAG. She helps shape its mission, collaborates with the Tide UK team, and advises on the Development Programme. Cecilia also speaks at events to raise awareness of carers’ needs, rights and recognise their expertise. Additionally, she has delivered talks at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia and Disability.

Cecilia is proud to be involved in previous and present Research development with Manchester & Scotland universities.