Recent research has prompted doctors to the conclusion that bingo has healing properties. Members of the medical community have been paying attention to social advantages that bingo brings to peoples lives.

Dr James Fleming, a doctor located in Padiham, Lancashire, is the latest medical profession to advocate the activity for his patients. Research shows that weekly Bingo sessions can play a crucial role in boosting the confidence and social skills of individuals who may otherwise never leave their homes.

The doctor who works for the Padiham Medical Centre, and colleague, Polly Bossons, started plans into the Green Dreams scheme more than five years ago. The new programme which received approval earlier this year will work to increase social interaction between local individuals and will offer a support service to raise self-esteem and confidence. Weekly Bingo sessions will work to encourage greater communication between patients. Many of those that will benefit from the scheme have been suffering from depression for a period of several years.

The centre has already setup bingo clubs and the positive results are already being seen. Dr Fleming commented: “We’ve had a number of people involved who said they never got out of the house before".