THE Over 50s Black Men Forum (O5BM) has secured support through Sport England's Movement Fund to expand its community table tennis centre prrogramme into Thurrock where it will strengthen efforts to tackle health inequalities affecting older black men.

The award will enable O5BM to provide regular weekly physical activity sessions and creating further opportunities for older black men to stay active, connected and engaged in their health.

The funding will also support the delivery of the UK Older Black Men Community Table Tennis Competition, bringing together participants from across O5BM's growing network of community hubs.

Black communities in the UK face significantly higher risks of several chronic health conditions.

Research shows that people of Black African and Caribbean heritage are around three times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, while black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with white men.

One of O5BM's centres in Luton.

O5BM's Community Table Tennis Centres respond to these challenges by creating accessible and culturally safe spaces where older black men can take part in regular physical activity while building trusted social networks.

While the activity itself is simple and accessible, the centres operate as community-based preventative health hubs, helping participants stay physically active, reduce social isolation, and become more engaged in maintaining their health and wellbeing.

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Through weekly engagement, the programme also provides an important entry point for wider conversations about health awareness, wellbeing and healthy ageing within communities that are often underrepresented in mainstream programmes.

Enitan Kane, Chair of O5BM, said: "This support from Sport England helps us expand opportunities for older black men to stay active, connected and engaged with their health. 

"Our Community Table Tennis Centres demonstrate how simple, culturally competent interventions can help address serious health inequalities while strengthening community connections."

New sessions in Thurrock are expected to launch later this year, offering accessible opportunities for men aged 50 and over to participate regardless of previous experience.

Participants will be able to attend weekly sessions, connect with peers and take part in the national community competition.

O5BM is particularly keen to hear from older black men in Thurrock who would like to take part in the new sessions and share their experiences of staying active and connected within their communities.

O5BM was established in 2018 to address health inequalities affecting older black men through community-led programmes that promote physical activity, health awareness and social connection.