Proud to support Scotland’s Census
Scotland’s Census is the official count of every person and household in the country.
It usually takes place every 10 years. The census asks questions about people’s age, sex, home and living situation, employment, education and qualifications, as well as ethnicity. Every household in Scotland must complete the census and by doing so are helping to shape Scotland’s future.
Completing the census is important because the answers provide the Scottish Government, and many other service providers with the data they need to make important decisions that affect people’s lives and their communities. These decisions include how money will be spent on important services like education, housing, healthcare, roads and railways, and so much more.
From the end of February, households will begin to receive a letter with instructions on how to complete their census online.
Census Day is 20 March but you can fill it in as soon as you receive your letter. Just make sure you answer questions with information that will be correct on 20 March to ensure that we have a snapshot of the nation on this day.
Go to census.gov.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 030 8308 for help and guidance on the questions, or if you need support to fill it in.
Case study: How the census is supporting carers
Carers across Falkirk are receiving targeted help and support thanks to services designed using census information. NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council have used census data to gain a greater understanding of the number of people in the region with caring responsibilities.
Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership works with third sector organisations and the local Carers Centre to develop information and advice for carers, with different versions for adults and young carers, tailored to their needs.
The last census showed there were around 8,000 carers in the Falkirk area. This is really valuable information, as it is not something that people often talk about. The census is the only reliable source of data that can give us the complete picture. We’ve been working with individual carers to help them develop their own carer support plan and talk about how they can look after their own health, as well as access help and support.
A big part of this is offering practical tips and advice to help people to continue caring and the support they need is often emotional or practical; or advice to help them in their caring role.
It’s a really valuable service – and it’s thanks to census information that we are able to provide this so effectively.