A man that had survived a stroke mentioned that, as well as camaraderie and encouragement, table tennis had helped him physically by helping him improve hand-eye coordination, building his confidence and combating post-stroke fatigue.
These voices remind us that this forum is more than sport. It is hope, dignity, recovery and community.
Rewriting the narrative
Black History Month is here and the importance of rewriting health inequality narratives becomes even clearer.
Too often older Black men are described as "hard to reach”, but our response is simple: “we are not hard to reach; we are not being seen”.
The reality is stark – Black men in the UK shoulder a disproportionate burden of chronic disease.
Rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes remain consistently higher than those of their White counterparts.
And we can’t forget that Black men are also more at risk of prostate cancer, so it's always a good idea to use Prostate Cancer UK’s risk-checker.
These inequalities are deeply rooted and cannot be resolved overnight, yet the work of the Over 50s Black Men Forum shows what is possible when solutions are shaped by, and for, the community.
By creating culturally-relevant, community-led, spaces we have not only encouraged men to take part in sport, but also to engage in their own health and wellbeing.
They arrive for the table tennis, but they return with their friends and, together, they build something far greater than the game itself: a hidden health club where camaraderie, wellness and dignity thrive.
Our first regional competition
This September, we hosted the UK’s first Older Black Men Community Table Tennis Competition, bringing nearly 70 men together from Essex and Bedfordshire. The atmosphere was electric!
Chelmsford proudly lifted the singles trophy, while Luton triumphed in the doubles. There were cheers, groans and more than one disputed line call.
Even Westminster took notice and Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, celebrated her local players with a shout-out in Parliament.
Table Tennis England joined us in the hall, the Mayor of Luton presented trophies and the Sport England logo stood proudly across the venue.
It was more than a competition; it was a statement that older Black men belong in the story of sport, health and community.
Serving the future
We are proud of what has been built so far, with seven hubs running and more on the way. But this is just the beginning.
Our vision is to embed these centres nationwide, creating a network where sport and health go hand-in-hand for older Black men.
And the best part? The model is replicable!
What works in Luton can work in Leeds and what works in Southend can work in Sheffield, because at its core, this is not just about table tennis.
It is about dignity, community and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
