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.
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
Melanie
Brett Golledge
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Let’s spread the word, united our voice is louder
Jess Goff
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by Mental Illness and suicide, particularly Children and Adolescents. You are not alone! You are important, valued and loved. You are Enough!
Alyssa Louise
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Naida
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Debra Brandon
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Graham JACKSON
Hello, my name is Graham Jackson, and i am a Social Member with the Mackay RSL Sub Branch and I, I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians such as current and Ex-Service Personal and current and former First Responders affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. show my support for Aussie veterans and their families. I have had family Serve in the ADF and friends of mine that have served some still serving and some friends no longer with us As a former SES Member myself of 10 years I was proud to wear the orange uniform and help those in a time of need. I love Walking and I will do anything to show my support to the Men and women that wear the Uniform and my brothers and sisters in orange. You can show your support for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the ADF by supporting my campaign. Thank you
Bella Coleman
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Recently, I’ve found myself at the lowest I’ve ever been. During this time, I’ve begun to realise how important it is that every single person has access to reliable, affordable mental health support. I hope raising awareness and funds for this charity will see that become more and more readily available for people. You are not alone. Mental health does not discriminate. Please, reach out if you too feel like there’s no way out. I promise, it may not seem like it, but there is a way out and you are loved.
Belynda
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.