October 2026 is Mental Health Month
Join us to walk, run or roll in solidarity for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year.
Together, we can show them they are not alone.
How It Works
2. Share
Share your page and raise funds to help Australians impacted by mental illness.
3. Walk
Walk, run or roll and log your kilometres throughout October for Mental Health Month.
2,059,950km
for mental health!
Mental Health stats in Australia
1 in 5
Australians experience a mental illness each year.
75%
of common mental health problems emerge before the age of 25.
50%
of people living with mental illness will not seek professional help.
Let's show people with mental illness that we're in this together.
Your support will help Black Dog Institute put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most, helping to create better mental health for all.
Sign up now for One Foot Forward 2026
Join our community to create better mental health for all Australians.
Paul Rudd takes part in One Foot Forward every year:
"I went through a bad patch with my mental health when I hurt my back and I needed a lot of time off to recover. I had limited mobility, so I started to lose contact with the outside world. Then I lost interest in doing anything at all. My mind just clouded all positive thoughts.
It took me two years to rebuild myself. So when I heard about One Foot Forward I decided to take part. I wanted to connect with other people who had been through something similar.
“The community is a big, supportive family.”
To anyone thinking about taking part in One Foot Forward, I say ‘Do it!’. You get to enjoy the fresh air and get your blood moving. It’s also a fun community thing. Above all, it helps raise funds and awareness that help is out there if you need support for your mental health.”
Register now and join Paul in One Foot Forward 2024.
Your Impact
Advocacy
Sharing world-leading research and real-world stories with policymakers to shape decisions that affect millions, and build a future where all Australians can access timely, affordable care.
Education & Services
Equip teachers with practical tools and professional support to provide safety and guidance to teenagers in the years when they are most vulnerable to forming mental health conditions.
Youth Mental Health
Teaching children with anxiety or depressive symptoms how to create healthier ways of thinking.
Suicide Prevention
Translate research into a digital program which can support people with suicidal thoughts to seek help when they need it most.
Solidarity Wall
Vanessa A tribute for My daughter Courtney
Becca Hoare A tribute for My Uncle and my cousin
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Ash
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jay
For my loved ones that have been affected by mental health, I will be walking in solidarity this October for you and other Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Sue-Anne A tribute for Adam
I’m walking in solidarity this yea for you mate.. I wish you knew how much we would all miss you..xx
Fiona
💗 🙏🏼 👟Each step I take I will reflect on those Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. It’s such a challenge but where there’s life there is hope. When we share our experiences & support each other, we are not alone on the journey. The journey to well-being’s continues 👟 🙏🏼 💗
Heather Watson
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I also have anxiety/panic attacks which have made my life hard but Im out walking with my dog which really helps my mental health.
Hayley
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. A cause that hits close to home 🫶🏼
Samantha A tribute for My brother Anthony
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Bullying KILLS.....11yrs ago on 5th October, my daughter lost her battle from bullying. She was only 15. I miss her more and more each and every day. So I'm doing the walk for the 2nd year for my daughter Courtney Elizabeth Love who no longer has a voice. I will help to make a change however I can. If I can save 1 life through the funds I'm raising, then I'll be happy and so would my daughter be. Let's help Black Dog Institute to help us all no matter who we are.