On Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, the Chair and the Partner Manager of the Over 50s Black Men Forum (O5BM) had the privilege of visiting Sky Studios in Isleworth for an inspiring and engaging event. The visit provided an excellent platform for networking, learning, and discussing important issues affecting our communities, all within the vibrant environment of one of the UK’s leading media institutions.
A Networking Lunch with Inspiring Talks
The day kicked off with an informal networking session at 12:00 pm, allowing charity leaders and attendees to connect and exchange ideas. By 12:30 pm, the formal programme commenced with welcome addresses and introductions, giving each organisation an opportunity to highlight their work and contributions.
A key moment of the lunch session was the insightful address by Anna Kennedy OBE in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day. Her speech shed light on the importance of inclusion and understanding for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her two sons were diagnosed with Autism and it was interesting to hear her story and how she later won the “Woman of the Year” award as well as receiving an OBE from the Queen.
Neil Shah followed with a compelling discussion on stress management, marking Stress Awareness Month and emphasising mental well-being strategies. The session concluded with an inspiring keynote address by Zoie Golding MBE from Zoielogic and the Big Movement, offering powerful insights into creativity, movement, and empowerment through dance.
Post-Lunch Engagement and Sky Studios Tour
After lunch, the networking continued, allowing attendees to build relationships and discuss potential collaborations. One of the highlights of this session was the opportunity for O5BM to pitch about our activities, which draw a huge round of applause from the audience. This unique opportunity provided visibility and an avenue to amplify the mission of our organisation, which is to:
- Reduce Health Inequalities
- Increase Social & Economic Equality
- Advocate for Members Issues & Concerns
- Fight for Fairness in Research & Usage
At 3:00 pm, we embarked on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Sky Studios. The tour offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of broadcasting and media production, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and innovation that drive the industry.
A Fruitful and Impactful Experience
The visit to Sky Studios was not just an opportunity to see the inner workings of a leading media house but also a platform for meaningful conversations and collaborations. For O5BM, this experience reinforced the importance of engagement, visibility, and advocating for the needs of our community on a broader stage.
We extend our gratitude to Niall Jones, Founder and MD of The Peer Space and Poppy Allan-Spoto, the Regional AdSmart Sales Manager for Sky for organising such a fantastic and inspiring event. Also, our thanks to all the speakers who made this event truly impactful. As O5BM continues to champion the health, wellness, and empowerment of older Black men, partnerships and experiences like these remain invaluable in driving our mission forward.
