Stawell's Jack Hoffmann growing a mullet to raise awareness and funds for mental health research

The 15-year-old student is growing a mullet in the hope to raise monies and awareness to challenges faced by everyday people.

Learning remotely and separated from his friends has lead Jack to reflect on challenges everyone is now facing, and particularly those who might have an underlying mental health issue.

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Jack said people should never be embarrassed to talk about how they are feeling.

"It's uncomfortable and it might not be something that you want to do but if people aren't feeling right they need to come forward and speak out," he said.

"It sounds simple. But it's not. At the moment the people you would normally turn to like parents, adults and teachers are also going through a lot of stress.

"Problems are never a burden. To let them sit there is."

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For the month of September Jack will be sporting a mullet. He surpassed his fundraising goal of $500 in the first few days.

"I don't have a limit now. Everything else I get will be a bonus to go towards the Black Dog Institute," he said.

"I think more funding and services need to be made available for people who are struggling with mental health.

"It's pretty easy to do my bit and help raise awareness. People going through life with mental health issues are the ones who are doing it tough."

Jack said missing out on playing sport and being involved in clubs would have an impact on many people's lives.

"It's been a pretty tough year," he said.

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"If more research can be done to understand how to support people who are suffering from mental health then hopefully people can start to get on the right track."

Donations to Jack's fundraising page through the Black Dog Institute can be made at www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/jackhoffmann/

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