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Full house at Milner Court

Tenants' Link
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Full house at Milner Court

Bingo loving residents at Milner Court in Shirley have received funding to support their popular social club. The activity brings neighbours together to help reduce isolation and loneliness whilst keeping older residents active – both physically and mentally.

The bingo sessions, which take place three times a week in the community room, are organised by local residents Maureen and Angie. With support from our Tenant Engagement team, the pair applied for funding from the Travis Perkins Community Legacy Fund to buy new equipment to enable the club to continue:

“The bingo club is so popular and brings so much joy to others”, explain Maureen and Angie. “As well as enjoying a fun game and the chance to win prizes, it’s an opportunity for people to get out, socialise and enjoy a chat and cup of tea together. We are so grateful for the £450 grant which has enabled us to buy a much needed new bingo calling machine, cable and microphone.”

One regular bingo player, Joyce, says the activity is the highlight of her week. “Living alone can sometimes feel isolating and before I started joining in the bingo, I wasn’t going out much. My daughter encouraged me to go along and now I really look forward to joining in every week. Everyone is so welcoming, and I’ve made lots of new friends. We all look out for each other, and I feel part of a community. Maureen and Angie look after everyone so well and even make refreshments so we can all celebrate special events like birthdays and Christmas together.”

Regular, free or low cost social activities like this take place in our supported housing schemes across the city, so that no one has to ever feel alone or isolated. Most are run by local resident volunteers with support from our team of activity coordinators. Sessions range from breakfast clubs, lunches, and coffee mornings, to art, and even yoga classes! All the activities aim to reduce isolation, enhance health and wellbeing amongst older residents, and increase a sense of belonging.

Please get in touch to find out what is on offer near you, or let us know if you have a suggestion for a new club or activity.

Volunteers are always needed, so if you have time to spare to help set up, run an activity, or serve refreshments, please contact our team of activity coordinators or call 07795 446830.

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