Buzz Bingo – supporting stroke survivors one dab at a time
Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke, which can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow.
With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible. Stroke support gives survivors consistent, tailored help on the long journey to recovery.
Over the past three years Buzz Bingo, with their 80 bingo venues across the UK, has raised over £300,000 including selling limited edition Stroke Association dabbers, playing Charity bingo games to mark Stroke Prevention Day and World Stroke Day and through various colleague and customer fundraising activities. The funds raised have provided tailored support to stroke survivors and their families, and has helped them find strength for what can be a long and gruelling journey to recovery.
The partnership between the Stroke Association and Buzz Bingo launched in December 2022 with an exclusive event at Buzz Bingo Stratford that brought stroke survivors, friends, family and the public together for an unforgettable evening of bingo, music, quizzes and prizes – hosted by TV legend Chris Tarrant and his son Radio X DJ Toby Tarrant.
Since then many events have taken place:
Parklands Stroke Support Group visits Buzz Bingo Derby
Derby, Swindon and Medway Stroke Support Groups have visited Buzz Bingo clubs where they have enjoyed bingo and socialising together.
‘It was a great experience,’.. ‘exciting, and you actually feel a buzz when you’re playing.’
Anne Bartle, stroke survivor and group lead volunteer
Swindon Stroke Support Group visits Buzz Bingo Swindon
Medway Stroke Club visits Buzz Bingo Medway
A snapshot of the Buzz Bingo Fundraisers
- The South West Buzz Bingo region walked ‘240 miles’ to acknowledge the 240 people who way up everyday to the impact of stroke.
- Buzz Bingo Walsgrave are top of the fundraiser leaderboard with various events including tombola’s, leg waxes, sponsored walks, name the teddy.
- Buzz Bingo Castleford Town has been challenged with 20 mile hike.
- Plus head shaves, ice bucket challenges, book sales and skydives!
Visiting Stroke Support Groups
Buzz Bingo Basingstoke visited their local Stroke Support Group talking through the accessibility of Bingo with touchscreen technology plus sharing stories of lived experience.
We all have different journeys, different struggles, different stories – but we get it. We know what is feels like to be knocked down by something out of your control and still find the strength to stand back up.
Marie, Buzz Bingo Basingstoke, stroke survivor
Dominic Mansour, Buzz Bingo CEO visited Parklands Stroke Support Group
To mark World Stroke Day 2024, a visit to Parklands Stroke Support Group near Derby took place to hear stories from stroke survivors and their loved ones.
Our three year partnership
On Tuesday 6 December 2022, Stroke Association and Buzz Bingo celebrated the launch of our three-year partnership with an exclusive event at Buzz Bingo Stratford. The evening brought stroke survivors, friends, family, and the public together for an unforgettable evening of bingo, music, quizzes and prizes - hosted by TV legend Chris Tarrant and his son, Radio X DJ Toby Tarrant!
The partnership continues to:
- Raise awareness of stroke in local communities.
- Fundraise providing vital donations for the Stroke Association.
- Work together to ensure clubs are accessible for those with disabilities, allowing stroke survivors to have the best possible experience and support.
- Raise awareness that Buzz Bingo clubs are a safe, fun and supportive environment for stroke survivors and their carers.
Surveys have shown how important leisure and social activities are for stroke survivors as:
- Nearly 3 out of 4 stroke survivors spend less or no time socialising with their families and friends since their stroke.
- Over half of stroke survivors say they have lost their confidence since their stroke.
- 1 in 4 stroke survivors feel lonely or isolated since their stroke.
- 4 out of 5 stroke survivors spend less or no time on their hobbies or have given up a hobby altogether.
- More than 1 in 3 stroke survivors would like more chances to socialise and to go to clubs and societies.
The impact of Buzz Bingo's support
‘We know many stroke survivors find it daunting to socialise with family, friends and in their local communities. Buzz Bingo clubs offer a safe, warm and supportive environment for survivors and their carers to play bingo, meet new people, and have fun while rebuilding the social networks which stroke can so often destroy.’
Mark Fletcher, Head of Brand Communications at Buzz Bingo
Buzz Bingo is Britain's biggest bingo chain, with 80 venues across the nation. They are proud to bring people together to enjoy bingo, fun and games. If you would like to visit your local Buzz Bingo club, please visit Buzz Bingo Clubs and use the Club Finder to find your nearest club.
To learn more about the partnership or if you have any questions, please contact the Corporate Team at buzz@stroke.org.uk
