At Connexions West of England we believe that being treated equal is essential if young people are going to reach their full potential.

We have an Equal Opportunities Policy that states that every young person should be treated fairly regardless of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, sexuality, background and age.

This includes the rights to:

• Be treated equally.
• Be listened to.
• An equal quality of help and support.
• Confidentiality.
• Make comments, suggestions and complaints in confidence, and have these acted upon.
• Make your own informed choices and decisions.

There are many differences between people; these include differences of race, sex, sexuality and disability. These differences should not result in anyone being treated unfairly. Unfortunately, some people may hold unfavourable attitudes to certain groups of people based on uninformed generalisations. This is called prejudice. Prejudiced views can result in people being treated differently and unfairly because of the group they belong to, without regard to the qualities and identity of the individual - this is discrimination.

There are many different areas where young people may suffer discrimination but the three which are covered by law are sex, race and disability. This discrimination may occur at work or while seeking work, in education, in training or in a range of other situations.

If you feel someone is not treating you as an equal for some reason, if you feel that others are getting different or better treatment than you, you have a right to complain.

You can get help and support from agencies that are set up especially to eliminate discrimination or to support young people. Connexions West of England will be able to help you contact these agencies and will give support with any questions regarding equal opportunities. If you have a Connexions Personal Adviser, talk to him/her, otherwise you can contact your nearest Connexions Centre.

You can contact the following organisations for information and help.

Disability Rights Commission
DRC Helpline
Freepost Mid 02164
Stratford-upon Avon
CV37 9HY

Tel: 08457 622 633    Email:  ddahelp@stra.sitel.co.uk    Website:  www.drc-gb.org

WECIL gives advice and support on a wide range of issues for disabled people and their carers. 

West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL)
Leinster Avenue
Knowle
Bristol
BS4 1AR

Tel:  0117 983 2828   Email:  wecil@dial.pipex.com    Website: www.wecil.co.uk/index.htm

Equal Opportunities Commission
Arndale House
Arndale Centre
Manchester
M4 3EQ

Tel: 0845 601 5901   Email:  info@eoc.org.uk    Website:  www.eoc.org.uk

Racial Equality Council-Bath
5 Pierrepont Street
Bath
BA1 5AQ

Tel:  01225 442352

Racial Equality Council-Bristol
Colston House
Colston Street
Bristol
BS19AQ

Tel:  0117 929 7899

Commission for Racial Equality
Fifth Floor, Glen House
Stag Place
London
SW1E 5AG

Tel: 020 7821 2240   Email:  glenhouse@cre.gov.uk   Website:  www.cre.gov.uk

Useful websites

www.thecareforum.org.uk  Wide range of information and details of various organisations for carers across the former Avon area.

www.employers-forum.co.uk  Employers’ Forum on Disability - The national employers’ organisation focused on disability in the UK making it easier to recruit and retain disabled employees and to serve disabled customers.

www.stonewall.org.uk  Stonewall - A campaigning organisation for lesbian and gay equality.