Census day was on the 21st March but it is vital those who have not yet completed, do so as soon as possible.

If you would like to arrange completion help for your community or idividaully, please find the details below.

A virtual meeting is available to take you and your community through a presentation that details the process of completing your Census Questionnaire.

The support available includes:
• How to complete your Census You Tube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cV6vDHudsI
• Dedicated number to call for requesting a paper form 0800 876 6276 – callers have to input their 16 digit census code on their phone keypad & they will be posted a paper form
• Complete your census over the phone with a trained advisor 0800 141 2021
• https://census.gov.uk/ complete online & support available
• Getting assistance from a trusted friend, family member or carer – this can be done remotely with them completing an online census with you whilst on the telephone talking you through the questions.

In BCP we have Census Support Centres set up as detailed below, they can offer both telephone and face to face support by appointment.
– Citizens Advice Bureau – operating out of the libraries:
Telephone & Face to Face support by appt only: tel: 01202 817984
Email: Census2021@citizenadvicebcp.org.uk
– Water Lily Project: Barrack Rd, Christchurch
Telephone & Face to Face (walk-ins and pre-booked)
Tel: 07943 061795
Email: it@waterlilyproject.org.uk

“The information you provide needs to be about who usually lives in your household on Census Day, which was Sunday March 21, however if you’ve haven’t completed it yet, please do so – there’s still time to,” the Office for National Statistics’ deputy national statistician Iain Bell said.

“Every household should have received their letter inviting them to take part and we’ve had a great response so far. If you haven’t, or you have misplaced your letter, you can head online to www.census.gov.uk and request a new unique access code.

“Field officers will soon start calling at households who have not completed their census. They will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines, supporting people to take part.

“They will be equipped with PPE and will never need to enter anyone’s home. They’ll be operating much like a postal or food delivery visit.”

The results from the census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible, through the anonymised answers provided. The ONS will never share personal details and no-one, including government bodies, will be able to identify you in census statistics. Personal census records will be kept secure for 100 years, and only then can future generations view it. If people do not complete their census, they may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000. For more information, including how to find a local census support centre, please visit www.census.gov.uk.