Help with census forms available

Harry Phibbs, one of my favourite local councillors who has himself changed Shepherd's Bush for the better, has sent me some advice for those of you struggling to answer your census forms. It turns out help is at hand.

What you need to know is below, but allow me if I may to add another thought. I can tell you that my great great great grandfather James lived and died in a house on a street in Brixton that still stands to this day. I only know this through the census that he filled out in the 1880s. By filling out your form your own descendants will be able to have that link with you one day - so spare them the 5 minutes, eh?

Supporting residents to complete the census

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is working closely with the Borough to promote the census to residents and organisations in the Borough and arrange support for people to complete their census forms. A comprehensive communication plan is in place to convey to our residents, the importance of taking part. This includes targeted work with population groups, who are known to have not responded last time.

20 “Census Helpdesks” in H&F (including the Town Hall, Libraries, NHS Health Centres and Area Housing Offices) are now providing direct support to help people with their forms and are asking customers if they have completed, or will need help with completing, their census. From 4th April, around 200 Collectors will join the ONS Census team in the Borough and will be visiting addresses where people have not responded.

Councillors can use ward surgeries to promote the Census and offer support to residents filling out their census questionnaires. Information leaflets and posters are available from Councillor Services.

The purple double decker census bus (as seen on TV adverts) will be stopping at Shepherd’s Bush Library on Sunday 27 March between 12:00 and 18:00 with an onboard team helping people with the census forms.

There will be two census completion drop-in events for residents:

24 March, 12:00 to 17:00, Bishop Creighton House, 374-380 Lillie Road

25 March, 12:00 to 17:00, Cocoon House, Market Approach off Lime Grove

Census help is available on the LBHF and ONS websites below.

www.lbhf.gov.uk/2011
www.census.gov.uk