Five United In Kind project volunteers in Epping Forest have joined staff from VAEF and WECAN in providing digital support for local residents in completing the 2021 Census.
Laura, Lisa, Daniel, Carol and Linda are helping to provide a telephone support and drop in surgery service, helping people in the local community, who are unable to complete the mandatory online form by themselves.
As trained census digital advisers, the team are providing a safe and confidential local community service that builds on the work VAEF and WECAN have provided during the pandemic to support local people facing digital barriers, leading to loneliness and social isolation.
West Essex United In Kind Coach, Nick said:
‘The Census digital support service which our kind volunteers are helping to run is not only helping local residents complete the survey – it is also helping us to build links with people in the community who may benefit from future digital learning and support, or be signposted to other local community services’.
Local residents can call the local helpline and speak to an advisor on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 9.30am-3.30pm on: 01992 564 208.
They can also visit drop-in support surgeries on Mondays at Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Loughton, and from week commencing April 12, Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre on Tuesdays 9.30am-3.30pm and Fridays at Ongar Leisure Centre 9.30am-3.30pm.
The 2021 Census date is Sunday March 21. Households have until Friday 30th April to complete the confidential online form