We are delighted to announce the launch of the Over 50’s Black Men Forum (O5BM) Community Physical Health Hub in Birmingham.
Delivered by O5BM with support from Sport England and Birmingham City Council, the new hub will support healthy ageing through community-based physical activity.
The latest Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey shows that 57.2% of Black adults are physically active, compared with 64.6% of adults nationally.
The data also shows that age remains an important factor: more than half of all inactive adults in England are aged 55 and over, while activity levels fall to just 44.3% among people aged 75 and over.
The hub will bring older Black men across Birmingham and the surrounding areas together for regular physical activity, starting with free weekly table tennis sessions at the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Sessions launch on Tuesday 15th September and will run every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm.
Why a Physical Activity Hub?
Table tennis is a low-impact, high-reward activity, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It offers a range of physical and mental benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), a leading contributor to Hypertension, Diabetes and Cancer
- Helping maintain a healthy weight
- Improving coordination and reflexes
- Boosting strategic thinking, memory and mental acuity
- Helping reduce stress
What to Expect
Table tennis is the first activity to launch as part of the hub, with all equipment provided, including tables, bats and balls, so members can simply turn up and take part. The hub is designed to bring men together for weekly fun, physical activity and social connection in a welcoming environment, with the aim of growing to offer a wider range of activities over time.
Join Us
Whether you are picking up a bat for the first time or you are an experienced player, everyone is welcome.
- Location: Handsworth Wellbeing Centre, Holly Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham B20 2BY
- When: Every Tuesday from 15th September, 2026, 7pm – 9pm
- Cost: Free to attend
To register your interest and stay up to date, join our WhatsApp group: Join here
