ONE FOOT FORWARD

Join the walk for mental health

Walk, run or move this October during Mental Health Month for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year.

Register for FREE now

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It is Mental Health Month!

Join us to walk, run or move this month in solidarity for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year.

Together, we can show them they are not alone. 

Register now

How It Works

1. Sign Up

Sign up (for FREE) and join our community to walk in solidarity throughout October.

2. Share

Share your page and raise funds to help Australians impacted by mental illness.

3. Walk

Walk, run or move and log your kilometres throughout October for Mental Health Month.

We've conquered
325,304km
for mental health!
That’s 2 whole laps around Australia!

Mental Health stats in Australia

For the first time in history, young Australians are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety than any generation before them. 

By​ supporting One Foot Forward, you're helping 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.

Let's show people with mental illness that we're in this together. 

Sign up now for One Foot Forward 2026

Join our community to create better mental health for all Australians.

Register now

Julia has taken part in One Foot Forward every year since 2021:

"I grew up in a country town where mental health was never really talked about. It wasn't until I was older that I realised the anxiety I felt as a child wasn't just nerves, and that I wasn't the only person experiencing it.

I first joined One Foot Forward after a number of youth suicides in my local community. I wanted to do something to raise awareness and support mental health, but I soon realised I was doing it for myself too.

“My mind and body thrive on it”

Walking has become a huge part of my wellbeing. Being outdoors, connecting with my community and taking time away from screens helps me stay mindful and present. Just as importantly, One Foot Forward helps break down the stigma around mental health and reminds people that they're not alone.

To anyone thinking about taking part in One Foot Forward, I say: do it! Being outside and moving your body can do wonders for your mental health. The community will have your back, and together we'll take it one step at a time."

Your rewards

Get your exclusive T-shirt and fundraising pack!

When you raise $95, you'll earn a One Foot Forward T-shirt to wear throughout your challenge and an exclusive fundraising pack to help you with your challenge.

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

Luke Goodwin

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I myself have dealt with my own depression for many years. I’m not doing this for myself though. I am doing this for the people in my life that have suffered, and still suffering with depression and anxiety. I’ve lost multiple friends to the black dog and it never gets easier having to remember the people I’ve lost. I’ve lost relationships, friendships and even family at times due to my own problems and it’s something I have to live with every day. I want to create as much awareness as I can to help people that may be in the same situations. I want to encourage as many people that I can to speak up. Together we can make it easier for everyone!

Lisa-Maria Kolling

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Von

Walking for all of us who have needed support at one time or another in our lives. Having times of mental ill health is normal. We all go through it. The Black Dog Institute is vital and their research saves lives. Proud to be supporting them with their mission.

Katrina

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Rachael

As someone who has lived with anxiety and depression throughout my life, I am so proud to be taking part in this cause. No one is ever truly alone, no matter how far away help and support might feel. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Kylie

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Nicole

I’m walking in solidarity with my two dogs @zeldaandlalo this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. As a practicing art therapist mental health for all Australians is such an important issue.

Nathan Forbes

I’m Running in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone and niether will i be, as my daughter shares the road next to me on on our journey to do our small part.

Sarah

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Mental health is something I've struggled with, I'm working on seeking help and want to encourage others to seek help as well!