After a long recovery from a rare type of dementia, Oakham former teacher and community worker Sarah Collins has set up her own consultancy working with individuals with dementia and their families across Rutland.

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Sarah was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a rare form of dementia which causes walking problems and memory loss. It is caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid build up in the brain and is one of the very few reversible forms of dementia.

In 2017, she had an operation to redivert her brain canal around a blockage caused by a benign tumour and she has since recovered.

Her experience both as a dementia patient and with previous work in the care sector gave her a keen interest in dementia and working with those impacted by the condition.

'I have always been an empathetic person,' said Sarah, 'but I can now understand more how they may be feeling.

'I would never say I could compare myself with someone living with Alzheimer's, especially in the later stages, but I have been on the other side.

'I know what it feels like to be unsure and to be unable to trust my brain. Forty-eight hours before my operation, I can remember driving to Tesco, getting to the car park and wondering how I could walk to the front door.'

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After recovering from her operation, Sarah undertook a Masters degree in Dementia Studies and used her knowledge and experience to work on projects for people living with dementia and their carers.

She then took her own experience and started Sarah Collins Dementia Consultancy Service.

Through this, she offers stimulating one-on-one weekly support sessions throughout Rutland and into Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Corby and Market Harborough, empowering individuals with dementia to enjoy and build confidence on what they are able to do, instead of what they are not.

This builds on the individual's previous hobbies on interests, including woodworking or photography, with the goal to provide stimulation and encourage a sense of achievement and purpose.

Moving forward, Sarah hopes to expand what she offers to include workshops that will help promote fun, artistic engagement, socialisation and peer support.

To find out more or to contact Sarah, visit https://sarahcollins.co.uk/, email her at [email protected] or call 07946 486069.