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

1. Sign Up

Sign up (for FREE) and join our community to walk in solidarity throughout October.

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.

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.”

Your rewards

Get your exclusive T-shirt and fundraising pack!

When you raise $95, you'll earn a One Foot Forward T-shirt to wear throughout your challenge and an exclusive fundraising pack to help you with your challenge.

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

TK

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Kelly

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Sharon

Remembering those who we have lost due to mental health. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Skye

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Sarah Druce

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Erin

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Kristina l

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

Hanne Worsoe

This month, I'm walking in One Foot Forward to support Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide, and in memory of my son, William, who took his own life on 5th July, 2021. He was 26 years old. This is my 3rd year doing this fundraising. Last year, I was not doing so well, and ended up in a psych hospital, in December, after only doing 40 km in October. But it was what it was. I still raised a few hundred dollars and tried. And I am a bit better this year, although I still cry for my son most days. But I suspect that is normal. This week, in the wake of the failed referendum, I am dedicating my walk to all First Nations Australians. After the referendum, with lots of emboldened racism & racist doublethink being flung about, I hope you are doing okay ❤️💛🖤 💚💙 It's been a tough time. Last week, when I last logged my kms, I had walked 35km towards my 100km target to help change lives. I have been on a road trip to family in another state, so I have a few more walks to log (lots of great bushwalks!) I should be well over the 35km mark by now, with a week and a half to go. I'll log those walks in a minute, but I just wanted to send a message to all those who may be struggling this week. I see you, and I am thinking of you. ❤️❤️❤️ Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Yarn Australia: 13 92 76 ❤️❤️❤️ And, if some of you reading this are in a position to donate, I'm asking for your support to help me complete my challenge and help Black Dog Institute (@blackdoginst ) put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them the most. Please make a donation and sponsor my walk to help create better mental health for all Australians. Here's the link to my fundraising page: https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/hanneworsoe Many thanks, and keep safe and well #onefootforward #onefootforwardchallenge #onefootforwardformentalhealth #indigenousmentalwellness #solidarity

Brad Davison

I’m riding in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

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