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ONE FOOT FORWARD

Join the walk for mental health

Walk, run or move this month during Mental Health Month for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year.

Register for FREE now

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. 

Register now

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.

Register now

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.

Register now

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.

Read More

Solidarity Wall

Tracey Vine A tribute for David Vine - My Dad

This year will the be first without my Dad here cheering me on. He was a huge supporter of this challenge of me and of beating the black dog. He lived every day as best he could. I love you Dad. I miss you.

Gianna Doyle

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Family & Friends along with other Australians affected by mental illness and suicide.💜

Vivien

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

Laura Ramage

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

Rachel Wright

I am walking in solidarity this October, dedicating my steps to raise awareness for mental health. Each stride I take is a commitment to support those struggling with mental health challenges, to promote understanding, and to foster a community of compassion. You are not alone.

Chelsea McMillan

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

Megan

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

Jess A tribute for Lachie

This October I'll be walking in memory of my great friend Lachie, to raise awareness for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. My hope is to spread awareness so others can source the help needed, because you are not alone x

Michelle Platt

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

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