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.
2,061,432km
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
Carol
Tiam Cann
Losing one person from mental health struggles is too many. I have lost too many friends and colleagues over the years and I myself have had my moments. I am walking in support of anyone who suffers or who has suffered in the hope that we can find a way to help everyone get the support they need when they need it.
Helen Jackson
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affectincluding myself affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I am truly blessed by who has acknowledged my post. I have not been able to work for the last 12 months due to this illness so in saying this, I have decided to change the target goal hoping I can acheive just that little bit more knowing i can change myself by accepting more help from these resources seeking help when needed the most.
Rossi Morris
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Stacey Kelly
Yesterday 17 incredible members of our community (including 2 babies) walked to remember all those who have lost their life to mental health, all those affected, including family and friends 🩷
Chloe A tribute for Daniel
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. You are important and You are loved. Mental illness is a black hole that is very hard to crawl out of and unfortunately a lot of people are unable to gain the strength they need to pull them up, my cousin was one of these people. He thought ending his pain was the only option and I want to raise awareness that no matter how deep that hole is you are in, there is always a way out. A strength to gain. A hand to reach in. An ear to listen.
Lisa McDonough
I’m walking in solidarity this October for all Australians affected by mental illness and suicide, including me, my family, & my friends. You are not alone. 💞
Brendon
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I have personally struggled with mental ill health for a long time, 10+ years now. While I am doing okay now, it is something that is always present. At first, like many people, I was ashamed and embarassed to talk about it, even with close friends and family. But the longer that I have lived with this the more I see that talking, and especialyl listening, can be so helpful to others who are suffering. So now I have no problems at all with telling people about my struggles and also the tools I have used to help. A couple of those that tend to have some shame associated with them are medication (anti-depressants for me), and therapy. I have been on anti-depressants for about as long as I have had diagnosed depression and they have been an immense help. Until recently I have also regularly spoken with a pyschologist, and the only reason I have put that on hold is because of cost of living/finanical pressures. Having a professional that can listen and help provide tools is invaluable!
Natasha Many
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone . Our door is always open, kettle on and ears open to listen .❤️
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.