Research

Research at O5BM: Driving Evidence for Equity

Our vision is to establish O5BM as a nationally recognised Independent Research Organisation (IRO), A trusted, community-anchored body advancing social and economic justice for Black people and other communities from the global majority.

As we grow, we aim to be among the first Black male-led organisations in the UK to lead research on later life outcomes through a lens grounded in lived experience, cultural insight, and ethical engagement.

We intend to challenge the historic exclusion of people from the global majority in UK research by producing insight that is community-led, culturally informed, and actionable, ensuring that evidence directly supports those it represents.

Our future research will span health equity, economic wellbeing, social justice, ageing, housing, financial resilience, and mental health, building a robust knowledge base that drives inclusive service design, policy reform, and system-level change across the UK.

Men Connected Framework
An Evidence-Informed Framework for Healthy Ageing Among Older Black Men

July 2026 — A Community-Based Prevention, Healthy Ageing and Systems Change Paper

The Men Connected Framework is O5BM’s evidence-informed model explaining how trusted community engagement can improve the health, wellbeing and experience of ageing for older Black men.

Developed from several years of community delivery, research partnerships, participant feedback and evaluation. The framework brings together our learning across physical activity, mental health, health education, financial wellbeing, community leadership, heritage and research.

It demonstrates that lasting change is created not simply through activities, but through trusted relationships, belonging and sustained community participation. The framework is intended to support researchers, policymakers, public health professionals and community organisations interested in reducing inequalities and improving healthy ageing.

👉 Download the Men Connected Framework to learn more about O5BM’s community-led approach to healthier ageing (PDF)

Research at O5BM: Driving Evidence for Equity

March 2025 — A Father’s Day Baseline Survey

This landmark survey is one of the first in the UK to be led by and for older Black people. With 302 responses from our members across Essex, it provides a foundational picture of health, finance, and wellbeing—backed by real voices, data, and lived experience.

🔍 Key Findings:

– 58% of respondents cite utility bills as their top financial burden.
– 91% rely on income from work; only 3% have pensions.
– 32% feel unprepared to manage finances despite having access to financial services.
– 60% say they have no access to mental health support.
– 40% report experiences of racial discrimination.
– 70% are actively involved in their communities—highlighting potential for peer-led outreach.

Download the Full Report

This research is not just about data—it’s about making change happen.
Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, service provider, or ally, we invite you to read and share this vital evidence base.

👉 Click here to download the full report (PDF)

Research

Research at O5BM: Driving Evidence for Equity

Men Connected FrameworkAn Evidence-Informed Framework for Healthy Ageing Among Older Black Men

Research at O5BM: Driving Evidence for Equity

Download the Full Report

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Men Connected Framework
An Evidence-Informed Framework for Healthy Ageing Among Older Black Men