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.
2,060,070km
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
Sash
Chris
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. We have family members and close friends whose lives are touched by depression and anxiety. To everyone n similar circumstances, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Rose
Walking for those that can't.
Belinda
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I've walked through my own mental health crisis before and continue to learn how to keep myself mentally well. Big thank you to my friends and family who love and support me!
Janie Boyd
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Sebastian
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Brendan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
charlize
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Mandii Deer A tribute for Roslyn Reay
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone!! 💜 My beautiful Mum (amongst others in my family) endured mental health issues most of their lives. This is not an easy feat, given social isolation, lack of services & discrimination...amongst so many ither issues faced by these beautiful & brave people! Sadly my Mum was murdered in her own home in Cooks Hill, late March 2005. Her killer still roams iur streets as the case was treated very poorly by the local Detectives & Police for 16 years! Thankfully it is now with Unsolved Homicide, who see Mum as the beautiful individual & kind hearted soul she was!! However their job has been made so much harder by the laziness & incompetence of their colleagues!! People living with Mental Health issues have it vety hard & deserve so much better! My family suffered not only the loss if my Mum but 16 years of the Police not taking her case seriously because she suffered Bi-Polar. Nevermind the fact that she was a very loving Mum, Sister, Daughter, Aunty & friend to so many. She was the lead singer in a very popular alternative band in Melbourne in the 80's, fought for Animal rights, helped anyone she could, studied to become a Nurse...helping those less fortunate at Stockton Hospital (severe mental & physical disabilities) & managed to pay off her own home...as a Single Parent!! Regardless of her own struggles, she did all this & raised a very strong & empathetic Daughter! All lives matter. 🙏🏻💜✨️
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.