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.
2,059,885km
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
Lara
Trevor Innes
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jess Booth
I am walking to support mental health because I have experienced firsthand the profound impact that mental health struggles can have. Living with anxiety, PTSD, and postnatal depression has been an incredibly challenging journey, but it has also shown me the importance of awareness, compassion, and support for those facing similar battles. By participating in this walk, I hope to raise awareness about mental health and help reduce the stigma that often surrounds these conditions. Every step I take is not just for my own healing, but also for all those who feel unseen or unheard in their struggles.
Erin Reschke
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Olivia Neskovski
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Garry Duncan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. I've personally accessed the Black Dog Institute programs and my hope is that anyone who needs support can also easily get the same support and improved life style
Tina
This October i’m walking in memory of my nephew Mark. 21 years ago this year but you are never forgotten. The effects of Suicide & mental health on families & the community are ever lasting. Australians affected by mental illness and suicide are rising and alarming. You are not alone….. there is help!!! If I can raise the awareness of organisations that offer support I hope I can save one life & get the support they need. You are not alone
Rosie shiels
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. If you are having a hard time - please reach out to someone. There are people who love and care for you - even if you haven't met them yet
Christine Longford A tribute for my brother Paul
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. For the wellbeing of everyone, let's make these services easier to access.