VOLUNTARY Action Swindon will be providing the census 2021 support service for Swindon.

Lockdown restrictions mean the advice will initially be provided by appointment and over the telephone only.

It is hoped that people will be able to access digital and other support in a Covid-secure way at Sanford House when lock down restrictions ease.

This year's census takes place on March 21.

VAS CEO Pam Webb said: “We are proud to offer this important local support service in Swindon to residents who may need a hand completing the census or who may not have digital capability at home.

“Unfortunately, the current lock down restrictions will limit our ability to provide the planned digital access at Sanford House but we hope that this may be possible over time an await government guidelines. I’m grateful to the VAS staff and volunteers who have undertaken DBS checks and the comprehensive training to provide this support.” 

For census help by a trained advisor, you can book an appointment between March 1 and May 4 on 01793 466650 or email census@vas-swindon.org.

A VAS-trained advisor will call back at an agreed date and time from a confidential room based at Sanford House. 

As well as English, VAS has trained advisors able to offer help in Urdu, Punjabi and Turkish languages with Nepali and Konkani to follow soon. 

Other support is also available through the national census website at census.gov.uk/

Frequently asked questions can be found at :vas-swindon.org/news/census-2021/