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Anonymous just donated $45.30

It is Mental Health Month!

Join us to walk, run or move this month 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

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.

We've conquered
1,130,035km
for mental health!

That’s 2 whole laps around Australia!

Mental Health stats in Australia

For the first time in history, young Australians are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety than any generation before them.

By supporting One Foot Forward, you're helping 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.

Let's show people with mental illness that we're in this together.

Sign up now for One Foot Forward 2026

Join our community to create better mental health for all Australians.

Julia has taken part in One Foot Forward every year since 2021:

"I grew up in a country town where mental health was never really talked about. It wasn't until I was older that I realised the anxiety I felt as a child wasn't just nerves, and that I wasn't the only person experiencing it.

I first joined One Foot Forward after a number of youth suicides in my local community. I wanted to do something to raise awareness and support mental health, but I soon realised I was doing it for myself too.

“My mind and body thrive on it”

Walking has become a huge part of my wellbeing. Being outdoors, connecting with my community and taking time away from screens helps me stay mindful and present. Just as importantly, One Foot Forward helps break down the stigma around mental health and reminds people that they're not alone.

To anyone thinking about taking part in One Foot Forward, I say: do it! Being outside and moving your body can do wonders for your mental health. The community will have your back, and together we'll take it one step at a time."

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

Jessikha A tribute for Caity

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

Frankie

I have loved walking daily in solidarity with those who are struggling. I hope that you feel the love and support from your community, and from those who are walking to raise funds.

Jen Dolden

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. You are not a burden. I will walk and talk with you until you know how much you are loved. You are worthy of love. You are loved.

Alissa Bowbanks A tribute for Ashton Bowbanks

I’m walking in solidarity this October for my son, pictured below Ashton who took his life on the 1st of August this year #Forever17 my beautiful boy 💙💙

Chloe Blewit

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illnesI’m walking for the people who are fighting battles they don’t know how to talk about yet. For the people who say “I’m fine” because explaining the truth feels too hard. For the people learning that asking for help doesn’t make them weak, and for the people who love someone they wish they could take the pain away from. Mental illness has touched my life and the lives of people I love, and this October I’m walking in solidarity with every person who has ever felt like they had to carry it alone. You deserve to be here. You deserve to be heard. And you are never a burden. 🧡

Donna-lee

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Please don't suffer in silence. 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

Katherine A tribute for Niels Rosendahl