News

Making local Chinese community count in the 2021 Census

March 21, 2021

Pine Court Housing Association (PCHA), part of The Sovini Group, recently partnered with The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of the 2021 Census within the Chinese community.

As the leading social housing provider for Chinese residents in Liverpool, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, PCHA partnered with ONS to ensure data collected in the 2021 Census is as inclusive and diverse as possible by helping the Chinese community take part and be counted.

Since their establishment over 35 years ago, when there was no specific housing provision in Liverpool for Chinese and South East Asian residents, PCHA has become a leading social housing provider for the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) community and has been able to connect ONS with key partners to create a network of organisations who have helped Chinese residents complete their Census forms.

PCHA has also supported Liverpool’s Chinese Arch, the largest Chinese Arch outside of China, to join more than a hundred other buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by part-funding a purple light-up event from 19th – 21st March in celebration of the 2021 Census and its importance to communities.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented:

The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day within our communities. We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in. We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank LIVERPOOL for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history

Director of Pine Court Housing Association, David Brown, said:

We’re proud to be supporting the 2021 Census, which provides an opportunity for decision makers to understand the requirements of different cultures within all sections of society. As members of BME National we are committed to providing a voice for the Chinese community and continue to raise awareness of BME housing issues at a local and national level.

For further information on Census 2021, visit census.gov.uk