Help for residents in Hucknall and Bulwell struggling with online Census

Time is running out to complete the annual information gathering form which is mandatory and carries a potential £1,000 fine for non completion.

Anyone having difficulties, who may be digitally excluded or vulnerable, can access support services until May 4.

Trained advisors are being made available by the Office for National Statistics, that runs the Census every 10 years in a bid to understand services and funding needs in communities.

The official ‘Census Day,’ was on Sunday, March, 21 but residents can complete the online document over a nine-week period started from March 1.

Advisors can help those struggling to answer questions, answer queries, guide people through completing the form, either over the phone or by completing it on a person’s behalf. Face-to-face appointments are now being made available as Covid restrictions ease.

Anna Kerr, business development officer at Ashfield Voluntary Action, said: “As it is the ‘digital first,’ there will be many residents who will be in panic or frightened they will receive a fine for not completing it.

"We have been trained by the ONS and have DBS checked volunteers at the ready to help people complete it online or over the phone.”

Teresa Jackson, manager at Ashfield Voluntary Action, added: “This kind of research only happens every ten years so it’s important every household has their say on what they want to see more of moving forwards – particularly as we begin planning for beyond the pandemic.

“Please take advantage of the brilliant voluntary advisers.”

Find help at Under One Roof in Hucknall or the Riverside Centre in Bulwell.

People can also request a paper questionnaire via the main census contact number if they are unable to use the support servics..

Appointments are available until May 4, 2021 but need to be booked.

Contact Under One Roof on 01159 521236 or the Riverside Centre on 0115 8763338.