The Liverpool Bingo World is Coming Together for Its Most Vulnerable Customers

We’re being told to expect the UK lockdown to be in effect for three months to a year (maybe more!), which isn’t exactly going down too well with anyone! Businesses are announcing closures across the board, and not just pubs, bingo clubs and restaurants either.

Facebook used to be a way to get away from your problems and to chat with friends, but since the Government announcement on Friday 20^th, all it’s become is a wall of doom and gloom. I try to throw pictures of my dogs and memes there to lighten the mood, but it’s instantly overshadowed by Covid-19.

The UK Government guidelines warn that elderly and vulnerable people should try to distance themselves from others as much as possible, which is why the bingo world is making sure their customers are not forgotten.

Across Merseyside, many people are coming (not-so close) together to help those in need. I must point out here that kind gestures are being carried out across the whole of the country – not just in Liverpool. A few nights back, two young women knocked at every door in my little village, handing out toilet roll! We’re a little village of 50 houses, so this was extremely generous of them.

Above and Beyond

Club3000 in Walton have a commitment to take care of their elderly visitors during this very challenging time and, local media is reporting that the millionaire founder of Redrow, Steve Morgan, who has not forgotten his roots, has pledged a £1m a week to charities in the city to help during the crisis.

According to Dan Sullivan, the general manager of Club3000, the club staff will call on up to 200 people every two days to check on them. If they need anything or just want a chin wag, they will be more than happy to assist. 

He said: “We know that our customers are vulnerable and a lot of them don’t have family or relatives to help. It’s 35 minutes of our time but it means the world to them.” Forward thinking staff even created a WhatsApp group with all members to see what can be done in the community and to help as and when it’s needed.

Kirkby taxi drivers are offering free taxi rides to the town centre for vulnerable customers. Other bingo halls have already said they will help with door-to-door needs. Speaking to the Echo, Dan said the response from bingo players so far has been “phenomenal,” and many are looking to do their bit for their community.

The latest Government announcement sent shockwaves across the country, but we must act now to stop the spread of this deadly virus. If you can help anyone out, you’re being asked to, but as long as you’re no putting them or yourself in unnecessary danger.