Carol Sargent

Dementia Advocate, Tourism Accessibility Expert & Social Enterprise Pioneer

Introduction:

Carol Sargent is transforming how society perceives and supports people living with dementia and other chronic conditions. Carol’s insight was deeply shaped by her simultaneous experience supporting both her mother and mother-in-law through dementia in two different UK counties, where she witnessed firsthand how dramatically support approaches varied. This contrast illuminated the gaps in care and inspired her vision for how the dementia community could be better supported through consistent, compassionate services regardless of location.

Through her groundbreaking work in dementia-friendly tourism and advocacy, she challenges the prevailing narrative that a diagnosis means the end of living fully. As Founder and Managing Director of Sargent Group Consulting, she bridges critical gaps between the tourism industry, government agencies, and healthcare sectors to create more inclusive experiences for the dementia community. Her evidence-based approach combines scientific rigour with deep compassion, proving that with appropriate understanding and support, people with dementia can continue to form new memories, enjoy new experiences, and live enriched lives well beyond diagnosis. 

Expertise & Impact:

Drawing from her background as a pharmaceutical scientist who led global projects, Carol brings unique analytical skills to addressing social challenges. Her pioneering work as Founder and former CEO of MindforYou, the first organisation to provide year-round specialised holidays for people with dementia and their carers across Britain, demonstrated measurable health and wellbeing benefits documented through collaborative university research. Her expertise was recognised when she was invited to contribute to Visit Britain’s authoritative publication ‘Dementia-friendly Tourism: A Practical Guide for Business,’ positioning her as a leading voice in accessible tourism development.

Speaking Style:

Carol delivers presentations that seamlessly blend a personal narrative with practical expertise. Her approach transforms complex healthcare challenges into actionable insights for diverse audiences, from hospitality professionals to healthcare providers. Drawing from both her scientific background and deeply personal experiences as a care partner, she creates powerful connections with listeners while offering evidence-based solutions. Each presentation is tailored to her audience and balances emotional resonance with practical takeaways, inspiring audiences to rethink possibilities and implement meaningful change.

Signature Topics:

  • Reimagining Life After Diagnosis: Creating a New Chapter with Dementia
  • Mistakes and Learnings of Dementia: Navigating family support
  • Breaking Barriers in Tourism: Making Travel Accessible for Everyone
  • From Scientist to Social Entrepreneur: Transforming Personal Challenge into Purpose
  • Creating Dementia-Inclusive Spaces: Practical Guidelines for the Hospitality Industry
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: Uniting Industry, Government, Healthcare and Charities for Social Change
  • From Corporate to Care: Starting a Purpose-Driven Business in Your 50s

Additional Expertise:

  • Dementia-Friendly Environment Design
  • Social Tourism Development
  • Cross-Sector Partnership Building
  • Business Model Innovation for Social Impact
  • Caregiving Support Systems
  • Evidence-Based Program Development
  • Disability Rights Advocacy

Perfect For:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Conferences
  • Dementia training and education
  • Healthcare and Social Care Symposiums
  • Disability Inclusion Events
  • Social Enterprise Forums
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Summits
  • Ageing and Eldercare Conferences
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Events

Career Highlights:

  • Founded Sargent Group Consulting to transform travel accessibility for the dementia community and provide dementia advocacy
  • Created and founded MindforYou, pioneering specialist holidays for people with dementia and their carers
  • Contributor to ‘Visit England’s Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Tool Kit’
  • Co-host of the ‘All Inclusive Solutions’ podcast, highlighting innovative approaches to social challenges
  • Transitioned from global pharmaceutical science leadership to social entrepreneurship
  • Developed evidence-based approaches demonstrating measurable wellbeing improvements for the dementia community
  • Facilitator of cross-sector collaborations between tourism, government and healthcare

Key Message:

“A diagnosis of dementia is not the end of life, but a new phase in which, with appropriate understanding and support, a great deal of life can still be lived, new memories formed, and joy experienced.”

Impact Story:

“I had the pleasure of hearing Carol speak at an International Conference in Bali. I found Carol to be an engaging speaker who shared personal anecdotes about her own family’s experience with dementia which challenged all the ‘norms’ I thought I knew about dementia. Carol uses storytelling to engage the audience and to show things from a different perspective. I felt inspired and motivated by listening to Carol. Carol’s authenticity and vulnerability in sharing her experiences encouraged me to reflect on my own approach to supporting those affected by dementia. The idea that a person with dementia could go on holiday, seemed impossible to me at first. Listening to all the success Carol has had and the number of lives she has impacted positively was so inspiring. Hearing Carol speak has made me a better nurse, as it’s made me have a far deeper understanding of what dementia means to a person and their family and friends. And how as a health professional I can help create positive change in this space.”
– Libby Austin, Nurse