Census 2021 arrives on the Island!

This week marks the official start of the census.  Between 3rd – 12th March all households across the Island will receive an information pack containing their unique 16-digit access code to complete the census online.

The census can be completed as soon as the pack is received, as long as you know where you will be on census day – 21st March.  It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete for each person who lives there.  If you can’t complete the census online then a paper version can be ordered.

Wide range of support now available! 

• help for anyone over the phone – call 0800 141 2021

• online information and web chat at www.census.gov.uk

• online guidance and support in many languages (hyperlink to https://census.gov.uk/help/languages-and-accessibility/languages) or by calling the language helpline on 0800 587 2021

• a paper version of the questionnaire, if you prefer, can be ordered online (hyperlink to https://census.gov.uk/) or by calling 0800 141 2021

• accessible census guidance, for example, in braille, large print and easy-read (hyperlink to https://census.gov.uk/help/languages-and-accessibility/accessibility)

Census Support Centre being run by People Matter IW – The Independent Living Centre, Newport Tel: 01983 241494. Currently, due to Covid restrictions, they are only available to assist by telephone, but as restrictions change you should be able to visit them too.  Anyone can call or email to make an appointment. Open Mon- Fri 9am-5pm

Census Island Team

There are now two teams of people currently working across the island (with more in training)

• Household Team. Supporting households to complete their census

• Communal Establishments Team. Will be contacting all Care Homes; Hotels; Farms to support all persons in completion of the Census

 Communications across the Island:

• Social Media posts will appear from the IOW Council on Sunday 7th

• Waitrose Newspaper had a full page on the Census last weekend

Jo Dare, CEO of Age UK, Isle of Wight

“Having access to detailed local information like census data, is key to understanding the whole population and helps Island charities respond to local needs.

As a local, independent charity, Age UK Isle of Wight uses census data to apply for funding that enables them to run their vital services and develop new ones as the need arises.

Completing the census might be a little bit more difficult this year, due to the pandemic, but we really hope that Islanders will participate”

 THANK YOU for all your support!