Help for residents in Mansfield and Ashfield 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 five centres across the district providing 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.

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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.

Business development officer at Ashfield Voluntary Action, Anna Kerr 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.”

Manager at Ashfield Voluntary Action, Teresa Jackson, said “This kind of research only happens every ten years so it’s important every Mansfield

and Ashfield 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.”

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Find help at Ashfield Voluntary Action (Kirkby), Mansfield CVS, Under One Roof (Hucknall), Ashfield Community Enterprise, (Stanton Hill) and Warsop Infotech.

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: Ashfield Voluntary Action/Ashfield Community Enterprise: 01623 784 345 or 01623 784347; Mansfield CVS: 01623 392 444; Warsop Infotech: 07864 268 009 or 01623 846794; Under One Roof: 01159 521 236