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.
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
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Lauren Powell
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Everyone has their own hard thing - let’s all be kind and empathetic, and get through life together.
Tanya
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Phil Johnson
Someone at work saw that I was taking part in this challenge and asked me if I was OK. My answer was, yes I'm as ok as most of us because in reality we all suffer from poor mental health to a certain degree. But unfortunately some people require professional help to aid in their battle against poor mental health. Thats why the Black Dog Insitute is so important. Anything we can fo to raise money and awareness is viral.
Nicko
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Tiahna A tribute for My Dear, Uncle Floyd
In loving memory of My Uncle Floyd, As i lace up my shoes and hit the pavement, hearts will beat in rhythm with the memory of your enduring spirit. Today, we embark on a journey, a 150km tribute, navigating the winding paths much like the twists and turns of life. You, Dear Uncle, a symbol of resilience and unwavering determination, you illuminated our lives with your wisdom and kindness. We carry your memory with us, a beacon of inspiration propelling us forward. With each step we take, we remember your contagious enthusiasm for life. Your heart was made of gold and your courage but also strength unyielding. Your strength fuels my determination to conquer this challenge, just as you conquered every obstacle with grace and fortitude. Through rain or sunshine, fatigue or pain, we press on, honoring your memory and the lessons you taught us. The 150km we walk symbolise the strength of bond with my immediate family, unbroken by time or distance. You will forever more be my inspiration. With love and determination, Tiahna This October I will once again be participating in one foot forward! http://oneff.co/s/TiahnDel
Em
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Mental illness affects everyone - you are not alone.
Samantha Wimshurst
Since loosing my precious son, I have been in a big black dark hole. I’m doing this to support all those suffering with their mental health due to grief. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Michael Brown
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 because I survived. Despite all odds, and no matter what life threw at me, I made it. It is possible, recovery is worth it❤️🩹