Where to get help

The following organisations can give you the information, advice and support you need.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

See link to Equality and Human rights website on the right

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an independent public body. Its helpline gives information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues, as well as providing information on its website. In limited circumstances, they will help people to take discrimination claims to a court or tribunal. It covers England, Wales and Scotland.

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

See link to Equality Commission Northern Ireland website on the right

The Commission provides information, guidance and assistance on equality and discrimination issues. If you need information about your rights or you think you have been discriminated against, discrimination advice officers can give free confidential advice and assistance. It covers Northern Ireland only.

Enquiry Line: 028 90 890 890
Textphone: 028 90 500 589

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

See link to Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission website on the right
If you think someone has interfered with your human rights you can contact the Commission for advice:

Telephone: 028 9024 3987
Textphone: 028 9024 9066

Independent advice agencies

There is a range of independent advice centres across the UK. Some give general information and advice on a range of subjects, including discrimination, whilst others specialise in one or more area of law. To find out if there is an independent advice centre near you, contact:

AdviceUK (if you are in England, Scotland or Wales)
Telephone: 020 7469 5700
See link to AdviceUk website on the right

AdviceNI (if you are in Northern Ireland)
Telephone: 028 9064 5919
See link to AdviceNI website on the right

Citizens Advice Bureaux

Citizens Advice Bureaux help people resolve their legal problems, including employment and discrimination problems by providing free information and advice. To find out where your nearest CAB is you can contact:

Citizens Advice
(if you are in England and Wales)
See link to Find your local CAB on the right

Citizens Advice Scotland
Telephone: 0131 550 1000
See link to Citizens advice Scotland website on the right

Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
Telephone: 028 9023 1120
See link to Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux website above on the right

Law Centres

Law Centres employ solicitors and caseworkers specialising in social welfare law including discrimination. They provide free advice, representation and education on legal rights. To find your nearest Law Centre contact:

Law Centres Federation
Telephone: 020 7842 0720
See link to Law Centres website above on the right

Community Legal Advice

Community Legal Advice is a free, confidential service to help people with their legal problems. You can contact them for details of local advice services including solicitors who legal aid work. It covers England and Wales:

Telephone: 0845 345 4 345
Minicom: 0845 609 6677
See link to Community Legal Advice website above on the right

Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission

The commission funds solicitors and advisers to do work for people who need legal aid (help from the government with their legal costs). You can search for a legal aid lawyer on their website:

Telephone: 028 9040 8888
See link to Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission website above on the right

Scottish Legal Aid Board

You can find out if you qualify for legal aid and where to find a legal aid solicitor through the Scottish Legal Aid Board website and helpline:

Telephone: 0845 122 8686
See link to Scottish Legal Aid Board website above on the right

The Law Society

The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. You can search for a solicitor by area of law on the Law Society website or by calling its helpline:

Telephone: 0870 606 2522
See link to Find a solicitor in England and Wales above on the right

Law Society of Northern Ireland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland can give you details of solicitors or firms in Northern Ireland:
Telephone: 028 90 231614
See link to Law Society of Northern Ireland website above on the right

Law Society of Scotland

All practicing solicitors in Scotland must be registered with the Law Society. You can search for a solicitor by area or type of law:
Telephone: 0131 226 7411
Textphone: 0131 476 8359
See link to Law Society of Scotland website above on the right

There may be other charities or support groups that can help you that are not listed here. Many organisations are set up to support particular groups of people, for example, those with a disability, migrant workers, or carers.

Look in your local phone book, ask at your local library or search on the Guidestar UK website: See link above on the right.

Trade unions represent the interests of their members. This includes giving them help and advice about discrimination. If you’re a member of a trade union, talk to your union rep about what’s been happening to you. If you decide to make a complaint to your employer you can take your trade union rep along with you to the meetings. They might even be able to represent you at a tribunal. If you are not a member of a trade union, you could think about joining.

March 2010