A video series will look at the link between mental health, unsettled trauma and violence in men as “uncomfortable” truths are faced in an effort to create safer communities.

Healing Starts Here, released by the Ministry of National Security, will be the third instalment of the Stop the Violence public awareness campaign.

The campaign is part of the National Violence Reduction Strategy and aims to normalise honest conversations around emotional stress while showing men how to seek help.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “We cannot talk about violence in this country without talking about what men are carrying mentally and emotionally.

“There are men in our community dealing with grief, trauma, pressure and pain, often in silence. If we are serious about change, we have to be honest about that.”

He added: “Unresolved trauma and untreated mental health challenges are often at the root of harmful behaviours.

“Many young men, particularly Black men, grow up without safe spaces to express vulnerability, process loss or ask for help without judgment.”

A ministry spokesman said: “Creating safer neighbourhoods and a safer island means facing the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.”

He added that the campaign will focus on daily pressures faced by men, such as the need to provide, unmanaged grief or anger and the expectation to be strong.

The spokesman added: “Too often, men are taught to carry pain instead of confronting it, to stay quiet instead of speaking and to push through instead of processing.

“Over time, that silence can turn into frustration, disconnection, depression and, in some cases, violence.

“The campaign creates space to acknowledge that reality while encouraging honest conversations and access to support.”

The videos will feature messages from Ge’Von Greaves, a former senior family support specialist at Family Centre, Carla Bean, a clinical psychologist with the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, and Jarreau Hayward, the head coach of Dandy Town Football Club.

Each speaker will discuss emotional stress and the pressures of forced masculinity while offering practical advice.

The videos will be shared on the Stop the Violencewebsite and across its social media pages.