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A group of islanders are braving the barber's chair and getting mullets to raise money for a local mental health charity.
The ‘Mullet for Mind’ challenge has already raised over £1,000 for the charity, with a number of cuts happening across the next few days.
The idea for 'Mullet for Mind' was established late last year by Jake Powell, organiser of local 80s-themed surf festival, Good Vibrations.
Speaking about how he came up with the idea, Jake said that he had "wanted devise a concept which would help raise money for Mind Jersey", and settled upon mullets to both match the festival's 80s theme, and also fulfil an ambition of his own.
Pictured: Jake organised 'Mullets for Mind' to raise awareness around mental health issues and support Mind Jersey's work.
"I've always wanted a mullet, funnily enough - so it's kind of my way of doing 2 for 1," he laughed.
Initially, the trims were to take place at the Good Vibrations festival - which features a number of activities like surf competitions, live music, five a side football and local art - to fundraise for Mind.
However, after the festival was cancelled, the challenge was staggered over the next few days, with two cuts scheduled to take place today at 16:00 KSG barbershop.
One of those going into the barber's seat today is Luke Hounslea, who has said the cut is one that is "most expensive haircut I've ever had", having raised more than £300 as part of the fundraiser.
Pictured: Luke Hounslea will be getting the full mullet makeover today.
"Normally I have such short hair - since I said I'd get involved with the Mullet for Mind, I've not had my hair cut for a long time now," he told Express.
"It's definitely a much-needed cut and I can't wait to see what I look like with a mullet!"
On why he's supporting the event and Mind, he said that he was endeared by the fact it's "something simple that you can do that's going to raise awareness for something that's quite openly around us everyday, which is your mental health."
He continued: "I think people need to open their eyes a bit more and speak freely with each other, especially in times like this where people may be struggling silently.
"The last thing you want is someone to dwell on it too much when they could have just talked with you."
Another volunteer for the chop, Charlie Rio said: "Sadly there's been a huge increase with people suffering with mental health issues since the start of the pandemic and this is why it's more important than ever to be supporting charities such as Mind Jersey, who provide a range of services to help support those with a mental illness.
"I'm pleased to have raised a solid amount of money for Mind Jersey by getting my hair cut into a mullet, which which has kindly donated by KSG barbers for the Good Vibrations Festival."
Between all the participants, the campaign has now raised over £1,200, with an extra £500 coming next year from Jake, who has postponed his own mullet until 2022's event - which will be happening on June 25 at the Watersplash - due to recent personal circumstances.
Speaking about why he had gone with Mind as the Good Vibrations' chosen charity, Jake explained that mental health is an issue close to his heart, having lost a friend, James Bailey, to suicide several years ago, and suffered another suicide bereavement relating to someone close to him in the last two months.
He said the recent tragedy had "re-emphasised everything and the importance of trying to raise mental health awareness." "Just through covid, I've personally seen first-hand the effect it's having on islanders' mental health and the detriment," he added.
"Hopefully little things like Mullet for Mind [are] raising Mind Jersey's profile, and helping people realise that it's okay to not be okay."
He reiterated that anyone "feeling unsure or anxious... [should] act on it and contact Mind Jersey and try and get the help they may need."
Jake also encouraged everyone to keep an eye on their family and friends. "If people do ever notice someone being a bit quiet, just make sure to check on them - and even check twice," he explained.
The Mullet for Mind crew aren't the only ones raising funds for the charity this summer either.
Peter Picot set off on a solo coastal circumnavigation of Jersey on 31 July, which saw him use a combination of rock scrambling, climbing, swimming and walking as a method of travel.
He completed the gruelling task on Wednesday (4 August).
"The total distance covered over that period was 57.84 miles (probably a little less than this as GPS does not work well underwater during the swimming phases). The total time was 29 hrs 06 mins (rest breaks included) or 27 hrs 21 mins (rest breaks not included)," he said.
On Mind, he said: "The issue of mental health has been brought into the spotlight as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. Mind Jersey will need to continue it's fantastic work in helping our community deal with all the issues surrounding mental health both in the present and in the future. Please be as generous as you can for this worthwhile charity."
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