Background to the Research

• In 1994, the CWA in partnership with Barnardos, established the Chinese Health Project in Belfast and Craigavon and in 1997 (with the aid of a grant from CPB and C&BHSST) they employed a full-time Community Development Worker in Cragavon to help the local settled Chinese Community to identity and respond to its own needs.
  

Research Approach

• In 1998, a survey was carried out in order to assess the needs of the Chinese community in the Craigavon area and to uncover if, and how, these needs were being met within the wider community. The survey was conducted amongst 45 Chinese households (206 people) in the Craigavon and Banbridge areas.
  

Main Findings

• Almost one half of the sample (49%) were under 18 years of age, around double the figure for the NI population as a whole and the dependency rate is greater within the sample than for the NI population. These factors indicate that a specific focus on the needs of children and young people is needed within the Chinese community.
• Almost one half of the sample were second generation - born in the United Kingdom, just under one third came from Hong Kong and one in every six from Vietnam. However, the sample are ethnic Chinese and share a common culture and heritage.
• There is, in general, an absence of a second income in Chinese families and Chinese women in the sample were more likely than women in general in NI to be economically inactive (53% compared with 35.1%). Many Chinese women experience language barriers, lack of childcare or organised play facilities.
• One in five of the adults in the sample had no formal education, with one third of the households having at least one person who had never attended school. Two out of five households did not have any members who had received post primary education. Only one female respondent had taken up a government training opportunity
• Less than half the sample could speak English well, more than one tenth could speak no English, and more than a third could speak only a little English.
• The most pressing social problem reported by respondents was lack of access to information and services. There was a significant fear of crime, particularly burglary, racial harassment and vandalism. Respondents also cited a lack of social activities and play facilities, and social isolation.

Recommendations

• A mechanism is needed that ensures consultation with the Chinese community with regard to education, health and social needs.
• An interpreting and advice service is needed to improve access to information and to increase the quality and uptake of statutory services.
• A pre-school playgroup specifically for Chinese children is needed in order to promote bi-lingualism and prepare children for school.
• English language support for Chinese children in schools should be promoted and English language classes for adults should be maintained and developed.
• There should be greater co-operation between agencies in order to encourage take-up of further education and training and employment opportunities amongst the Chinese community.
• There should be greater links between the Chinese community and the police and Victims Support to address racial harassment and vandalism. The Chinese community should be encouraged to take part in cross-community activities within the local community.