Press Release from Keeping Digital Foundation - for immediate release 

 

 

The Census is back, with Census Day falling on the 21st of March, and for the first time ever, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are attempting a digital-first Census. With a digital-first Census, the ONS have set a target of 75% of returns being completed online, with letters being sent with access codes and details on how to fill it out on the online platform. 

 

The Keeping Digital Foundation have put together both a Census Support website censusyork.co.uk and paper information leaflets for those who cannot access our website.  

 

The two Census Support centres in York are run by Explore York and York CVS. From the 1st of March to the 4th May, their Census Support Teams are providing help with completing the Census. Telephone appointments have been available since the 1st of March, but face-to-face appointments have started (as from the 15th March) with the easing of lockdown restrictions. Appointments are also available for those who wish to use a computer. 

 

To contact the Keeping Digital Census York team on our efforts with providing both digital and paper resources so residents know where to find help, please email: census@keepingdigital.org.uk 

 

To contact Explore York, call Acomb Explore on 01904 552651, Tang Hall Explore on 01904 552655, or York Explore on 01904 552828. 

 

To contact York CVS, call 01904 621133 and choose Census Support. 

 

Luke Castle, lead at the Keeping Digital Foundation said "At the Keeping Digital Foundation, we understand how important the data from the Census is in shaping services for our community. Our teams have been working hard, setting up our Census website censusyork.co.uk, whilst also working hard to deliver paper information sheets to give residents information on the Census Support Centres in York. We're also using our social media platforms to beat the myths on the Census, and we are turning our website purple to mark Census Day. Although we are working with multiple organisations across York & North Yorkshire to improve digital inclusivity, there are still some people suffering from the digital divide and therefore the Census Support Centre service is vital and we beg people to make use of this. The Census has huge importance and we're super glad to see people so onboard with completing their 2021 Census." 

 

Sian Balson of York CVS said "During the pandemic, we've been supporting people who can't get online themselves to access essentials like foods and medicines. It has really brought home to us the number of people affected by the digital divide. So were were keen to make sure as many people as possible can complete the Census. We're delighted to be working with Explore York to offer the Census Support Centre service to anyone who needs it. Whether you just need access to a computer, or would prefer to sit down with someone for step by step help, we can offer that." 

 

Gillian Holmes of Explore York added "It's important to note that although support is available, we know some people will not want to complete the Census online. People can still request paper copies to return - it is expected around a quarter of people will do so. They need to call the Public Contact Centre on 0800 141 2021. If the household has more than 6 people, you must also request continuation sheets. But for anyone who wants to complete the Census online, we're here to help." 

 

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To contact the Keeping Digital Foundation team, please contact census@keepingdigital.org.uk 

 

To contact any of the teams at Explore York, please contact gillian.holmes@exploreyork.org.uk 

 

To contact any of the teams at York CVS, please contact sian.balson@yorkcvs.org.uk