Handsworth table tennis sessions help older black men open up about their health

A weekly game of table tennis at a Handsworth community centre has become something much bigger: a place where older black men in Birmingham can talk openly about their health, wellbeing and lives.

The sessions at Handsworth Wellbeing Centre are organised by the Over 50s Black Men Forum, which says the biggest benefit often comes from the conversations away from the table. The scheme is supported by Birmingham City Council and Sport England.

"It's all bottled in"

Karlus Harris, a tailor who works in the Jewellery Quarter, said playing at the centre gives him a sense of community. He told the BBC: "[Men] don't really share a lot of stuff, we sort of keep it all bottled in, and then somewhere along the line it explodes."

"Sessions like this where we're just here, we're just talking, before you know it you're in a conversation that you didn't think you was gonna be having just coming to play a game of table tennis - I'm all for it," he said.

Tackling health risks and loneliness

The sessions are designed to address health problems that disproportionately affect older black men, and to tackle social isolation.

Chidi Umeano, one of the organisers from the forum, said: "Older black men have higher chances of getting prostate cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and actually being very lonely.

"One of the key reasons is machoism. We are told we need to be macho, we don't cry, we don't share our emotions. So rather than going out to talk to somebody, most of us stay at home."

As well as the weekly games, members can join regular online meetings where health professionals talk about issues including prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

"You see somebody who has the same issue, we connect them and they go out and start talking," Umeano said. "That's what we're about. Prevention, but also linking up people with lived experiences."

A champion gives back

The project has the backing of one of Birmingham's sporting greats. Desmond Douglas, who grew up in Aston and was 11 times England table tennis champion, is supporting the sessions.

"You know what I try to do is try to put something back in and if I can help, I will," he said.

He believes staying active brings real benefits for both body and mind, especially later in life. "I think at this sort of age, especially if you're retired, you have bad thoughts and I think just getting out, being active, walking, playing sport, for a while you forget all those thoughts and mentally you're in a happier place, and physically," he said. "So that's what you should try to do really, just keep active."

"Have a laugh, keep fit"

For many who come along, the appeal is simple. David Francis said he heard there was a table tennis event and wanted to be part of it. "You come out, have a laugh, keep fit and just enjoy the game and the company," he said.

It is a reminder that some of the most effective health work in Birmingham happens not in clinics, but in community centres, over a net and a few rallies, among friends.