Doncaster community stalwart honoured for lockdown work with prestigious national prize

Peter Singh has been awarded an iconic Census 2021 purple plaque after a nationwide search to find unsung community heroes throughout England and Wales.

He was nominated by the public and awarded the honour by a judging panel, featuring Gavin & Stacey star, Joanna Page.

In a year like no other, 22 unique purple plaques, one for each census that has taken place to date, have been awarded to community heroes up and down the country.

The competition, which received hundreds of entries across England and Wales, awarded Peter, 60, for his services to his local community in Doncaster through volunteering and fundraising.

Peter has gone beyond his usual charitable volunteering work by ensuring that throughout the pandemic his community centre users and residents, who were shielding, had access to tablets and telephones to ensure they had internet access to combat isolation, and keep in touch with family and friends. He also coordinated the delivery of fresh food, and hygiene and household products for the elderly and those shielding, and families on low incomes.

Peter, who lives in Bennetthorpe, commented: “I am truly grateful to have received the Census 2021 Community Hero Award, amongst the hundreds of entries that were submitted. The pandemic has meant so many of us have fallen upon hardship, I wanted to do my part and do what I can to help anyone who is struggling in my community.

"In times like these it’s important for us all to pull together, and I am so thrilled to have been selected for this award.”

"But this award is not just for me. It’s for the whole team.”

The census, taking place on 21 March 2021, will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible.

Census 2021 will inform decisions nationally and locally on vital services and issues. Ultimately it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GPs and dentists’ services - all based on the information people provide.