Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau is urging carers to know their new rights under the Equality Act 2010, which has now come into force.

The Act brings nine different pieces of discrimination legislation under one law with the aim to protect people from being treated unfairly.

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

Jenny Meadows, manager of Winchester 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.

Ms Meadows 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.”