Literacy news
Census support for those with low literacy levels
17 Mar 2011
Do you work with people who may struggle to complete their census forms due to low levels of literacy? Help is available.
Support materials are available in accessible formats – audio and Braille – as well as in other languages. Translation booklets are also available.
For those who feel comfortable requesting support from the national census support team, a visit can be requested from a field worker, who will help them complete the form. Call the national census helpline on 0300 0201 101 to arrange a visit.
Alternatively, a local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide support. Local councils will also be able to provide advice on what help is available in the area.
However, before seeking help, individuals may need to be convinced of the importance and benefits of taking part by a trusted individual. Can you help by raising the subject with them, addressing any fears and signposting support? Exclusion from taking part in the 2011 Census is just one more example of how poor levels of literacy affect individuals’ ability to participate in daily modern life and contribute to society.
The National Literacy Trust was one of the charities consulted in preparation for this year's census. For more information on support visit www.census.gov.uk
Most read
Related content
- Could do better: latest overview of adult literacy in the UK in Blogs by Jonathan Douglas
- Can we address poverty by focusing on literacy? Frank Field MP thinks so. in Blogs by Emily McCoy
- Literacy is everybody’s business in Blogs by Abigail Moss
- The outlook in 2011 in Blogs by Abigail Moss
- An open letter to the Members of the new Parliament in Blogs by Jonathan Douglas
