O5BM’s Partnership and Engagement Lead visited the North London Community Physical Activity Health Hub on Wednesday 3 June, joining more than 20 Black men who came together for an evening of table tennis, exercise, conversation and fellowship.
Based in Edgware, the hub runs every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm and is free for older Black men to attend.
The visit offered an opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact of the hub, which has quickly become a regular and valued weekly space for men in North London. More than 20 men attended the session, reflecting the strong and consistent engagement that the group now enjoys each week. Through table tennis and informal peer connection, the hub creates a welcoming environment where men can become more active, meet new people, strengthen friendships and take practical steps towards improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
Table tennis is a central part of the session because it is accessible, enjoyable and suitable for different ages and fitness levels. It encourages movement, coordination, balance, reflexes and concentration, while also offering a relaxed way for men to reduce stress and remain socially connected.
The Partnership and Engagement Lead praised the commitment of the men, volunteers and local organisers who continue to make the North London hub a success.
“It was encouraging to see so many men attending and supporting one another. This is more than a table tennis session; it is a growing community where older Black men can stay active, build friendships and look after both their physical and mental health.”
The North London Community Physical Activity Health Hub is part of O5BM’s wider commitment to reducing health inequalities and tackling isolation among older Black men. By bringing activities into local communities, O5BM is helping to make healthier lifestyles more accessible, culturally relevant and sustainable. The sessions are designed to be friendly and inclusive. No previous table tennis experience is needed, and all bats and balls are provided. Men are welcome to attend at their own pace, whether they are returning to exercise, trying table tennis for the first time or simply looking for a positive community space.
O5BM thanks the City Bridge Foundation, local organisers, volunteers and all the men who attend each week for supporting the development of this important North London hub.
Join O5BM North London every Wednesday, 7pm–9pm, at OneStonegrove Community Centre, 5 Hayling Way, Spur Road, Edgware, HA8 8BN. Attendance is free.
