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.
2,061,524km
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
Hope
Talitha
Today I went for a little walk on my break, just 3.5 kilometres but it felt nice to feel some fresh air on my face and get that sun on the skin I took I. So many flowers that have bloomed this spring and I feel a little refreshed to finish the working day You’re not alone and I’m walking this October to raise awareness and to raise money to get the right tools to help us all enjoy that sunshine in our lives
Sarah
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jorja Davies
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Shona A tribute for I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians like myself going or have been through a mental illness and suicide!! your not alone!
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Donna Brook
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Everyone has been in a position where they needed help...I want to help because of people that have helped me when I needed it xx
Jen A tribute for My Uncle David
I’m walking this October in memory of my uncle and all those impacted by suicide and mental illness. Those who have gone are never forgotten, and those who are here are in our thoughts.
Chris Selvage
I’m running and cycling 300km in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Faith A tribute for My mum Glenda!
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I lost my mum when I was 20; just 3 weeks off my 21st birthday, she was my bestfriend! My hero my everything as mums are. Still to this day many questions are asked why? How could you do this? But I’m reality I know why, demons! My mum suffered with bipolar, anxiety, coming out gay, feeling as if she wasn’t good enough to anyone. At the age of 12 it all begun, she attempted many times leaving her children having to think smart and saving her life each time. We learnt to know when her demons where around, when she was down and needed that hug or a phrase “ we love you” But unfortunately one afternoon with no- one home my mum took her life. We knew it wasn’t her fault for leaving us but we all were sadden. We forgave her for leaving us this way but we understood why. I’m here to support those who have lost someone to this cause! I know from myself also suffering with mental health prior to her death as being the “ skinny girl “ at school not like how I look, always thinking the worse and thinking the world doesn’t need me. UNTIL I lost my mum and had children I knew I’m needed, I feel the pain of someone when they were needed still! I’m here to listen! I’m here to talk I’m here to WALK!!
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.