ONE FOOT FORWARD

Join the walk for mental health

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

Register for FREE now

  • Lauren Malayta just donated $23.81
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  • Helen just donated $100.00
  • Orion Wallace just donated $45.30
  • Ethan O’Neill just donated $55.95
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  • Anonymous just donated $23.81
  • Anonymous just donated $250.00
  • Darlene Chaplin just donated $55.95
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  • Caitlin Bloor just donated $11.68
  • Amy Ibbotson just donated $45.30
  • Joanne Herbert just donated $46.00
  • Steve McClean just donated $112.09
  • Joe Ducky just donated $250.00
  • Ria Jason just donated $50.00
  • Rachael Edwards just donated $20.00
  • Leah just donated $17.87
  • Megan just donated $112.09
  • B J just donated $100.00

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. 

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.

We've conquered
1,455,531km
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.

Register now

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

Tara Tasker

I’m completing the One Foot Forward challenge for the 5th time this October. It is such a worthy cause, supporting Black Dog Institute and the important work they do for Australians and their families impacted by mental illness and suicide. There’s still time to show your support. Please sponsor me if you have the means - together we can make a bigger impact!

Inca

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

Ash

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

Jo Maloney A tribute for Myself and anyone out there suffering with mental illness your not alone

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

Erica

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

Amy

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

Pete Tiberi

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. So many good people gone too soon. Remind the people around you that they are not alone, even a simple act of kindness could save a life.

Lily Moore

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

Benan Akdag

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