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.
2,061,677km
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
Laurelle
Ashley A tribute for My Dad.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Elanor
I’m walking in solidarity this October for the humans like me who struggle with mental illness. In raising money I hope there can be more research and awareness for mental health. I do this so if my kids end up struggling there will be more support for them to access.
Josie Olejko
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Daniel Thorp
Every year I’m doubling my km’s so it’s 800km this October! I’m determined to complete this challenge.
Chanelle
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Sending a smile to everyone walking and raising funds this October!
Camille
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. This is my fifth year taking part. I was fortunate to meet one of the Black Dog institute founders earlier in the year and hear his story. The research undertaken and resources produced are so valuable. But, there is always more we can do.
Czarina P A tribute for My daughter
Motherhood changes you. Fundamentally. I realised this, not in an instant like what you see in movies, but gradually. It creeps up on you like a fog in the early hours of morning. Where before, having to make decisions only for myself, I felt my mental health was something I could slack off every now and again like a diet plan. Now, I know that it requires discipline - not just for my sake, but most importantly for my daughter. To all the mothers, daughters, and the families who live with mental illness or lost someone to suicide, this walk is for you. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are seen, you are loved, you are not alone.
Emily L
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.