Ortrud's Story

I moved to Luton from Cologne twenty years ago for work and never left. When my elderly neighbour Dorothy fell and broke her hip, I started helping out — bringing meals, collecting prescriptions, making sure she was safe. Over time, that help became daily care.

Dorothy has no children and her nearest relative is a niece in Scotland who visits twice a year. I became her informal carer without any official recognition. The GP did not know. Social services did not know. I was simply the woman next door who kept Dorothy alive.

Carers in Luton helped me understand that what I was doing had a name and that there was support available. They helped Dorothy get a proper care assessment and ensured I was recognised as her carer. Sometimes the system does not see you unless someone helps you become visible.