It’s so much more than a game.

That’s the sentiment I took away from a recent visit to CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning’s Community Housie.

The game of chance brings hundreds of people together each week, but the gathering is not just about the bingo.

It’s about the opportunity to catch up with friends, make new ones and leave all your problems at the door. The positive and welcoming atmosphere brings people together from all walks of life – something the players seem to love.

“Housie gets you out, and it’s a good place to meet people,” said Merilyn, a patron of more than 30 years.

“I play for the enjoyment, and it kind of breaks the ice of everyday things.

“It’s like a wonderful family; you can leave all your issues behind and have fun for a few hours.”

Friend and fellow player, Cheryl echoed Merilyn’s sentiments. As a player of more than 60 years, she understands the power of Housie more than most.

“I started coming when I was 10 years old and loved it,” she explained.

“For me it is a getaway, it breaks the boredom and it’s like Merilyn said, you meet people, and I have made some lifelong friends here.

“You’re mad if you don’t come, because we go for weeks and weeks without winning but I still keep turning up because there’s more than just bingo.

“It gives you something to look forward to all week.”

When Cheryl first started attending Housie, they would play the game with chalk and a barrel of numbered balls. She has seen it evolve over the years, now being played with dabbers and paper or on electronic tablets.

Someone else who’s seen Housie grow is regular player, Margaret – she loves bingo so much that she plays it almost every night. Margaret has been a Housie patron for 40 years and believes it is good for her brain.

“It helps keep my brain active and gets me out of the house,” she said. “I just love it – I can’t get enough of bingo.”

One of Margaret’s favourite parts about coming to Community Housie is the diverse range of people who attend.

“People of all ages come here, and I think it is great to see the young ones,” she said.

“They do it instead of going to a club or drinking. They’re coming here playing bingo and are meeting older people.

“They’re talking and interacting with people who could be their grandparents, and it is just so respectful and wonderful to see.”

Merilyn, Cheryl and Margaret encourage everyone to give it a go. They all say it’s one of the highlights of their week.

And there’s an added bonus – as part of CatholicCare Hunter-Manning’s Community Programs, every game supports a great cause.

All profits from Community Housie help fund free food programs for those in need across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Manning.

“Come along and try it – there is so much you could gain,” Merilyn said.

CatholicCare’s Community Housie is played every Thursday and Saturday evening at the Southern Cross Hall (841 Hunter Street, Newcastle). Doors open at 5pm with tickets on sale from 6pm. The first call of Housie (eyes down) happens at 7.30pm. This charity housie has operated in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle for decades.