THE city's Cordia workers provide services for thousands of people, young and old, across the city and around the clock, seven days a week.

From dinner and cleaning staff in schools, to carers providing help for older and disabled people in their homes, Cordia offer support that most who benefit couldn't do without.

Their long service awards are a great way of recognising those who spend their working life providing a high level of care for their clients and customers.

While the awards congratulate individuals within the service, there must be a recognition of the work done by all their hard working colleagues, many for modest pay.

Many of the services have been under pressure with budget cuts and charges levied to allow services to continue, but through it all the staff carry on with the aim of providing the best service possible.

Without the Cordia workers many people would find themselves isolated and unable to access the help and support they need.

To all who are picking up their service awards we offer our congratulations and to their colleagues we offer our thanks for the work they do to help keep vulnerable people in our city safe and well.