THE job that carers do in families across Glasgow is of vital importance and reduced the burden of public services.

The Carer's Card is a small way to say thank you and to offer some help when they are able to have some respite time.

A trip to the cinema may not appear to most people to be a big deal, but the opportunity to have a couple of hours with nothing to do but sit and watch a movie will be an ideal relaxation time for many carers. Many carers struggle financially so the discounts the carers card offers will be a help to many coping with tight budgets.

While there is no doubt more that can be done to help those looking after family members full time both financially and practically, we have to admit that cash is limited and services are affected.

However we have to remember the huge savings to the public purse that comes from the often round the clock care that is being taken on by men and women across the city.

The Carer's Card is just one way in which the council is able to try and make a difference together with respite care and practical services.

We need to be looking at more ways in which the army of carers can be helped and supported for the work they do.