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.
2,061,868km
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
Lynda Hannah
Colleen Thomas
Affected personally by losing a family member, a lot of people suffer in silence. This should not happen. You all know why I’m supporting this great cause so please get behind me xxx I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jodie
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. I've lost too many loved ones to this heart-wrenching disease, and I'd walk a million miles just to see, hear the voice of, and most importantly, hug them like my life depended on it. You are not alone. #itaintweaktospeak
Tameika wright
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Paul Dwyer
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. After recently being diagnosed with depression and anxiety and put on meds, I know what it's like. You are not alone.
Kimberley Creek
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I personally have experienced mental illness and so this is something that’s very close to me. I want to use my own experience to bring awareness and change.
Erin
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jodie A tribute for Jason
I’m walking for my stepson Jason and all the families who have lost loved ones.to suicide and in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide and also in memory of my stepson Jase. . You are not alone.
Nat Dorain
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I work in the veterinary industry, and suicide and burnout within the industry is high and I am walking for them ❤️ Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing is so important.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and are. You are not alone. I also personally live with mental illness myself everyday. I decided to take on this challenge not only for myself, but for others who also have mental illness. I would also like to create awareness about mental health in my local community.