October 2026 is Mental Health Month
Join us to walk, run or roll 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 roll and log your kilometres throughout October for Mental Health Month.
2,061,747km
for mental health!
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
Christa Nullmeier
Ashlee
This October, I’m walking in solidarity with Australians affected by mental illness and suicide — to remind you that you are never alone. I’m also walking for future generations, so they can grow up in a world where reaching out for help is always met with compassion, understanding, and hope.
Jenny Cheng
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
TJ A tribute for Eddie
We know the impact of mental illness and suicide. We will support & raise awareness, so everyone benefits.
alan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Rebecca Pohlner
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Joanne ODonnell
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. This October I’m taking a journey of walking 40km for support and raise awareness for mental health 💚 On a special note second year I am doing that with my nephew, Jarad Catania. I am looking forward to doing some walks with Jaz and I hope you can support both of us as we reach our targets. Mental health should be openly talked about and not to be ashamed about. Too many people hide their feelings and never get support. So on my journey I want people to not be scared to talk about it, show their true feelings and get the support to help them get back to a normal healthy lifestyle if they can. You’re not alone there is support out there so use it please 💚💚 Well July 2022 I have had challenges on recovery from my open heart surgery yes it was a massive operation it took a toll on me but at the end of the day I am here to tell my story I’m thankful my beautiful family for their support everyday also for the surgeon and the nurses to help me along the way ❤️🩹🩺 I hope you can join we on our journey as I post updates on my walking Journey to meet my target, on the way by donating to the Black dog Institute for mental health 💚💚
Neil
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Marc Jones
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.