Wellness conference aims to transform conversations around men’s mental health  

A groundbreaking initiative focused on reshaping conversations surrounding men’s mental health, emotional well-being and leadership in Jamaica will take centrestage on June 13 with the staging of the Redefining Men’s Wellness Conference & Award Ceremony at the Hope Fellowship Auditorium.

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5p.m., is being spearheaded by Shareka Swaby, author and motivational speaker, who says the conference was inspired by years of listening to the emotional struggles many men quietly endure.

“The Redefining Men’s Wellness Conference was birthed out of a need I observed through my experience as a life coach who works with men. I found that I heard the same thing from almost every man: ‘Men aren’t allowed to have emotions or express their feelings,’” Swaby said.

In recent years, conversations surrounding men’s mental health have become increasingly urgent, both globally and within the Caribbean, where cultural expectations often discourage emotional vulnerability among men. Mental health advocates continue to warn that emotional suppression, untreated trauma, stress, depression and burnout are contributing to rising levels of relationship breakdown, substance abuse, violence, and emotional isolation among men.

For Swaby, those realities became impossible to ignore.

“When I listened to conversations about men’s well-being, along with the consistent articles in the media expressing the state of men’s welfare in our country, it highlighted the urgent need for a space for men not just to be educated, but also to safely express themselves,” she said.

The conference will address topics surrounding emotional fitness, mental wellness, leadership, healing and fatherhood, while encouraging men to seek support systems without shame or stigma. According to Swaby, one of the event’s central goals is helping men move from emotional suppression towards emotional healing.

“The conference is aimed at bridging the gap between ‘it’s not safe to express myself’ and ‘I feel safe booking an appointment with my therapist or wellness coach.’ It also aims at educating men so they can see how a lack of emotional stability destroys not only their lives, but also the lives of their families and children,” she said.

Originally conceptualised as a standalone conference, the initiative evolved after Swaby partnered with Thriecia Tyndale, who had previously organised a Father’s Day Dinner and Awards Ceremony. “We both thought it was perfect alignment,” Swaby said.

HONOURING MEN

In addition to educational sessions and discussions, attendees will also be honoured during an awards segment designed to celebrate men for simply showing up and prioritising their well-being. Every man in attendance will receive a certificate of appreciation.

“The fact that they show up speaks volumes. That is indeed one of the biggest steps in wanting to improve their overall wellness,” Swaby said.

Special tokens of appreciation will also be presented to fathers, uncles, nephews and brothers in recognition of their roles within families and communities. Several men who have made meaningful contributions across various industries, particularly in service, will also be recognised for their impact.

The conference’s keynote speakers were intentionally selected for their expertise in leadership development, emotional healing and wellness advocacy. Topics scheduled to be explored include ‘Breaking the ‘Man Up’ Myth’, ‘Emotional Fitness for Men’, and ‘Fatherhood’.

Recognising the sensitivity surrounding men’s mental health conversations within Caribbean culture, Swaby said the organisers are intentionally creating a safe, judgement-free environment.

“This is a strictly male-centred environment. As much as possible, the presenters and attendees will be male. The females in the room will serve as ushers and facilitators. I believe educating men first before we start having conversations will help create that sense of safety,” she said.

She added that ridicule or mockery will not be tolerated. “Most people are secretly having the same or similar issues,” she said.

Beyond the conference itself, Swaby hopes the initiative sparks a wider cultural shift in how Jamaican society views men’s emotional well-being.

“We are losing as a society because we are losing our men. We lose men, we lose families. If, as a man, you have ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, angry or just downright fed up, then this is the space you want to be in on June 13, 2026,” Swaby said.

The organisers also hope the conference evolves into both an annual event and a broader movement focused on men’s wellness across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

“Yes. Both. It is intended to become an annual event and it is the first step into a larger movement for men’s wellness,” Swaby said.

While sponsorship outreach remains ongoing, the HEART/NSTA Trust has already confirmed its attendance, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness has provided informational materials in support of the initiative. The organisers say they remain open to additional sponsorships and partnerships.

For Swaby, however, the mission extends far beyond a single conference.

“Jamaicans are very good at one-day wonders, but what we hope to see is a continuation of conversations. We intend to keep that lamp burning with the other things that will be coming as well, and we welcome other stakeholders and participants to join us on this journey,” she said.

Known professionally as ‘The Empowered Goddess,’ Swaby wears many hats. In addition to being a certified life coach and mentor, she is also the author of An Introduction to Freedom, host of the podcast Becoming Consciousness with Shareka, consulting life coach for Ms Universe Jamaica, founder of the In Full BLOOM Trauma Healing Workshop, and founder of the I Am Initiative mentorship programme for young men and women.

Originally from Rowlandsfield in St Thomas, Swaby’s own journey towards mental wellness advocacy began in 2018 during a period of personal introspection and self-discovery. Through studying mindset, self-image and human behaviour, she developed a passion for helping others heal emotionally and spiritually.

Today, her mission remains centred on encouraging people to live with purpose, emotional awareness and vision.

“One of my main beliefs is that too many people are living without a vision for their future. Purpose drives and vision pulls,” she said.

Shareka Swaby. Contributed

Stock photo men’s health