Sporting Conversations with Brent – as part of Our Freedom Then and Now, in collaboration with The Jason Roberts Foundation and Brent Libraries, Culture and Heritage

As part of Our Freedom Then and Now, we are excited to share two inspiring panel discussions that celebrate sport, culture, and community. These special events, delivered in collaboration with The Jason Roberts Foundation and Brent Libraries, Culture and Heritage, bring together leading voices to explore personal journeys, heritage, and the power of sport in shaping lives.

OCTOBER 15TH 2025 – HARLESDEN LIBRARY

In Conversation with: Richard Langley & Mark Stein

Mark Stein (left) and Richard Langley (centre) with other former QPR Footballers

Former Professional Footballers Richard Langley & Mark Stein talk candidly about the changes they have see over the years, both on and off the field. Providing insight into the unique journey both athletes have taken throughout their lives they will reflect on issues such as the impact of social media coverage on athletes, equality and inclusion in sport, the pressure and mental health support available. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions in an interactive Q&A with both former footballers.

OCTOBER 23RD 2025 – WEMBLEY LIBRARY

In Conversation with Yamilé Aldama & Connie Henry, MBE

Yamilé Aldama (second from right) & Connie Henry, MBE (far right)

Former Track Athletes, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists Yamilé Aldama & Connie Henry, MBE discuss all facets of Freedom and what it means to them, including freedom of expression, identity, and discussing whether freedom could be at risk. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions in an interactive Q&A with both former athletes.

The Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) is a sport for development charity delivering a programme of wrap-around support for 5 – 25-year-olds, incorporating mentoring, life skills, education, and training, within our multi-sports activities providing opportunities and promoting exercise and team games to young people, including those at risk, and those with physical and learning difficulties and disabilities.

There is also a focus on health and wellbeing family interventions, and intergenerational community projects and events. We collaborate with local voluntary, public, and private sector organisations, and funding bodies to achieve our objective of ‘community first’

These events are part of the nationwide project Our Freedom Then and Now, exploring the legacy of VE Day and VJ Day. In Brent this takes the form of a dynamic community programme jointly delivered by Brent Libraries, Culture and Heritage and the Jason Roberts Foundation.