Cumbria Rural and South Lakeland Citizens Advice Bureaux are urging local carers to know their new rights under the Equality Act 2010, which has now come into force.

The Equality Act 2010, brings nine different pieces of discrimination legislation under one law.

Its main aim is to stop, prevent and protect people from being treated unfairly.

In particular, it will help prevent or stop people who care for the disabled or the elderly being harassed, intimidated, served badly by retailers or service providers.

The new law also applies to services in the public sector, such as hospitals, gyms and solicitors.

Linda Wilkinson manager of Cumbria Rural CAB said: “If you suspect you are being treated unfairly because of who you are, or because of who you look after, make an appointment to see a CAB adviser and get help.”

“Under the new law, if you are caring for someone who is disabled, you are now protected when you shop for goods, when you ask and get services (like a solicitor) or when you use public facilities (like public transport).

"Carers are often treated badly for looking after the most vulnerable people in the community.

"The new Equality Act 2010 can help take action against such behaviour.”

An example this type of discrimination would be someone refusing to serve you in a café because you are with someone in a wheelchair.

Or an employer not being offering a job or treating you less favourably because you look after your disabled child.

Linda Wilkinson added, “Our aim is not just about taking legal action – we want to help you to resolve the situation in the best way for you.”

Citizens Advice can:

• Advise you of your rights
• Write a complaint letter and try and resolve the problem with a service provider
• If there is no response or resolution, we can advise you on options you may have to help you take the case further
• In certain situations and if you want to, help you find a lawyer to take the case to court.

Free, confidential advice and help is available on any aspect of this article as well as debt, benefits, employment, and any other problems.

You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person. Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464.