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.
2,060,034km
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
Brett McLennan
Jessica
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Mental health is something that I have struggled with over the years to the point where I didn’t want to wake up and thought the world would be better of without me. I felt so ashamed to talk about my struggles and would never ask for help, I want people to not be scared to speak up and to know that they are not alone, that there is help 💕
Jo Gibcus A tribute for Jessica
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Lisa Nicol A tribute for MICHAEL "MIKEY" NICOL
I am walking in memory of my son...Michael "Mikey" Nicol FOREVER 21...when time stood still on 14th October 2020 at 12:10...That day I relive each and every day...He was my baby, he was beautiful and kind...he would help anyone and everyone...he put others first...he was funny...he was loved my so many people...I miss him so much...I wish I could turn back the clock...to have him sitting beside me right now...unfortunately he never received that help he needed, and he tried to get the help...that is why I am trying to raise funds and awareness...as there needs to be more help for people when they are in need...so others don't feel like they are alone and that suicide is the only way to end their pain...and families/friends live the rest of their lives wondering WHY...the system has failed so many...it NEEDS to STOP FAILING... I LOVE YOU MIKEY...YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY ANGEL BABY...FOREVER 21...XO I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Nina
I started walking for my mental health so now I'm walking to support others with theirs
Denis yu A tribute for Bifidordor
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. My thoughts are with you Bifidordor - you were an incredible human being and i will not forgot your smile and happiness that bled through you and your music.
Hamish Sheehan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Charmain Ward
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Kristen Sugars A tribute for Kym Sugars
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.