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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

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.

1 in 6

Australians experience an anxiety disorder each year.

1 in 7

children and adolescents experience a mental illness each year.

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.

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

Amanda Hough

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

Chanel

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

Celeste Ady

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

Zac Horton

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. There is plenty of help out there but if you have a hard time finding the door I'll show you where it is but you have to walk through it.

Ashleigh

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

Skye

I see you, I hear you, and I'm walking right beside you. Some days our stories feel heavy, like a thousand-page hardcover we can barely lift, while other days they're as light as a breezy paperback. But every day, we're turning the page together. This chapter might be tough, but remember - we're the authors of our own tales, and we've got this incredible community supporting our every word, our every step. Whether you're marathon-walking or just managing to shuffle to the kitchen today, know that I'm proud of you. Your journey matters, your story matters, YOU matter. Keep turning those pages - I believe in you, and I'm honoured to be part of your story.

thomas sullivan

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

Kiana

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

Melanie Galbraith A tribute for Mitch

It's a sad, hard fact - 50% of people living with mental illness will not seek professional help. We don't know what's going on in the lives of our family and friends - so ask RUOK? The highest suicide rate in Australia is in young men aged 15-44. We need vital funding to provide the resources that can save lives - to those that need them AND crucially, at the time they need it. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.

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