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
Deb GIACCONE
Shenae Ridley A tribute for Dad, Poppy Mark and the father in-law I sadly didn’t have the pleasure of meeting who would now be a grandfather to 6 beautiful grandchildren. Loved, spoken of often and never forgotten! This one’s for you xx
This October I am walking and pushing the kids for 60kms for all Australians living with and affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. It’s never weak to speak! In memory of Mark (Poppy Mark) A husband, father, friend, brother, son and now grandfather. A remarkable man the kids and I wish we had the pleasure of meeting.
Nat
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Today showed me that people care about your journey xx
Sara A tribute for My dear friend Alex and my beautiful Mum. Talking about grief and mental health is so important. It woukd mean so much to me to raise money for this wonderful cause.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. ❤️
Amanda
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide.
SHALAKA
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Errin
I’m walking in solidarity this October for myself and many other Australians affected by mental illness and suicide, I’ve suffered with poor mental health since a young age and Survived multiple suicide attempts. With my most recent relapse resulting in a 2 and a half month hospital stay and TMS treatment. Live is worth living if we just put one foot forwards a day, We are not alone.
Allison Johnston
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Every step counts for every Australian.
LC
I’m walking in solidarity this October for friends family and fellow Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. This walk demonstrates the struggles the highs and lows and the lifelong journey.. You are not alone.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.