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.
2,061,875km
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
kylie collins
Tony Whiddon A tribute for Mark Whiddon
I’m walking in solidarity this October for my son Mark and all Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Ben
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
JR
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Crystal Palmer A tribute for KAYNE PALMER
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. My little brother felt alone, he became an expert at masking his feelings and it wasn’t until it was too late that we realised we all knew snippets of the same story.
Michelle Taillier
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I particularly acknowledge the challenges faced by those who experience eating disorders.
Bo Disco
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. One foot in front of the other…
Matt Tubman A tribute for Niels
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I’m also run/walking for myself as I move through the grief of losing my friend Niels last month. Niels, you brought so much joy and inspiration to so many people. While you are now physically gone you have left many footprints and memories for us. Rest easy my friend.
alison Webb
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.