October 2026 is Mental Health Month
Join us to walk, run or move 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 move and log your kilometres throughout October for Mental Health Month.
2,061,919km
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
Bickii
Tristan Knoop
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Lisa Izabella Pike A tribute for My Mates
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I couldn't help my workmates and friends that have passed. I can help the ones suffering now🙏. I just would like to raise as much money as I can . To allow Black Dog to help as many people as they can . Please just on board and let's work as one 💙
Brooke Mills Coimbra
We walk for all those who have lost their lives to mental health and for those who continue to struggle daily. We support you, we hear you, and we are walking to raise awareness as a tribute to you.
Ailsa
I will be running 100km during October in solidarity with both Australians and on behalf of my own friends, acquaintances, colleagues and others of all different nationalities who have ever been directly or indirectly affected by mental illness and suicide. Sadly, before even turning 40, I lost too many friends; some of them to the largely unspoken about 'grey area' that so often exists between the two. So, I will be running in memory of them, together with the thought we have a chance to ensure young people today get much earlier interventions, less stigma and successful help to thrive!
Laura Garcia
I pledge to listen with compassion, speak with kindness, and advocate for mental health awareness in my workplace and community. Together, we can break the stigma and build a future of hope, connection, and support.
Geoff
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Together we can all raise awareness around mental health and help support the wonderful work being done by the Black Dog Institute
Rachel Matthews
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Maria Cailao
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone; we walk with you.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.