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

  • john finn just donated $55.95
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  • Anonymous just donated $128.10
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  • Julie and Rick Olender just donated $45.30
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  • Tania Charles just donated $11.92
  • Anonymous just donated $112.09
  • Anonymous just donated $55.95
  • Michelle Loye just donated $106.75
  • Jon Rouse just donated $250.00
  • Jayne Sproule just donated $2.00
  • Blair Ledger just donated $11.92
  • maddy just donated $11.80
  • Anonymous just donated $23.81
  • Ramanah’s just donated $40.00
  • Wyatt just donated $269.13
  • Katarina Butler just donated $45.30
  • Ryley Hodgson just donated $23.81

It is Mental Health Month!

Join us to walk, run or move this month 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.

We've conquered
1,083,244km
for mental health!
That’s 2 whole laps around Australia!

Mental Health stats in Australia

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.

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

Andrea

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

Alana

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

Melissa Ryder

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

Bonnie

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

Thais Barbisan

I walk to destress, to conquer my demons, to rejuvenate my soul and just because. I walk with friends, family and sometimes I walk alone and that's ok. I will be walking 100kms to support each and every person that has or is struggling with Mental illness. It's a battle that shouldn't be fought alone.

Stacey

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

Mick Hean

Having been one of the one in five Australians who suffer from mental illness each year it’s vital to keep conversations and awareness happening . While I’m doing fine now , a number of mates have not been so lucky. I’m walking in memory of them.

Danielle Hawkes

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I have suffered with many metal illnesses for a few years, multiple suicide attempts and I don't want to see others go through what I have been through. I have had friends who have reached out to me for support. No matter what you are not alone, and asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It is one of the hardest things to do, but the support from everyone around you will help you.

Tim Rix A tribute for Kerry Phillips

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