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Stand Up for 4 Your Rights
If you have any problems with the law, harassment or discrimination, there are people who can provide advice and information on your rights.
This section aims to provide basic information on your rights and where you can go for support. You will find more information on those parts of the site that cover each issue in greater detail.
Advocacy
You may hear people talking about being an advocate or providing an advocacy service. An advocate will support you and enable your voice and view to be heard effectively. Advocacy can be carried out in a variety of different ways and settings according to individual needs and wishes.
Legal advice
Some solicitors offer a free initial interview and, if you are on a low income or benefits, the possibility of free legal advice.
Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (see Your Town/Area ) or Community Legal Service Direct www.clsdirect.org.uk 0845 345 4 345
Hate crime
Hate crime is a hatred or dislike of a person or group of people because of their sex, racial heritage, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Incidents can be reported on the online hate crime reporting form at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or at www.report-it.org.uk
Useful contacts
This is a general list of organisations that offer advice and support about different issues. Also see the pages that cover each topic.
Equality and Human Rights Commission www.equalityhumanrights.com - deals with rights concerning disability, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief. Helpline for race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious and belief issues: 0845 604 6610; disability issues 08457 622 633
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) www.adviceguide.org.uk - support and advice on legal matters, debt, welfare benefits and your rights in general. For local addresses and numbers see Your Town/Area.
Rights 4 Me www.rights4me.org – information from the Office for the Children's Rights containing information on children’s rights.
Bullying UK www.bullying.co.uk - provides helpline advice if you are being bullied or if you are a bully.
Community Legal Service Direct www.clsdirect.org.uk - provides free information, help and advice on many legal issues. Helpline: 0845 345 4 345
Release www.release.org.uk -legal advice on drugs issues and your rights within the law, help if you’ve been arrested, advice from a duty solicitor. Helpline: 0845 4500 215
Liberty www.yourrights.org.uk - advice about civil rights issues. Helpline: 0845 123 2307
NACRO www.nacro.org.uk - help for ex-offenders and their families and friends. Advice line: 0800 0181 259
Disability Alliance Rights www.disabilityalliance.org - advice for people with disabilities Helpline: 020 7247 8776
Disability Information and Advocacy Service www.dias-somerset.org.uk - information for people with disabilities in Taunton Deane, West Somerset and Sedgemoor. Call 01823 327453
Able Advocacy - information, advice and advocacy for people with disabilities in Yeovil and South Somerset. Call 01935 433055
Somerset Racial Equality Council www.srec.org.uk - support and advice about racial harassment. Call 01458 274200
Somerset Gay Health www.somersetgayhealth.com - information, support and advice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people (and anyone unsure of their sexuality). Ring: 01823 327076
Consumer Direct www.consumerdirect.gov.uk - consumer advice service for problems and disagreements over supply of goods or services. Helpline: 0845 4 04 05 06
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