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.
2,060,726km
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
S Armstrong
Paige josephs A tribute for All of my friends I’ve lost to their own mental health battles
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. We stand together, so we can catch each other when we fall.
Elise
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. It’s okay, to not be okay!
Dylan Arnold
I’m running this October to support Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. It’s okay to not be okay, and it ain’t weak to speak.
Ilah A tribute for My Dad
I’m walking in memory of my dad and those affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Ashleigh Reardon A tribute for Anyone who feels alone with no hope
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I’ve struggled with my own mental health for over 6 years now post my mums death in 2019. But I’m thankful for the support that is available out there and for the people who stepped in and loved me when I was at my lowest. You are never alone even though it feels like it 💕
Nadine Q
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Ruth
It’s said that It takes a village to raise a child, though our village/community are raising awareness & raising funds to help families raise strong healthy kids and support all the village …..keep up the awesome work everyone
Sam W
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Hi, I am walking in solidarity for everyone I know who is faced with the cloud and struggling in their daily battle with mental illness. Some who are healing . Some who have already healed. Others hoping beyond hope to heal and journey each day. We are all only human and facing adversity is no easy task. Together we can run(or walk) this race that is life. This walk is also in honour of someone who allowed me to be part of their world ,welcomed me into their life with mental health and showed me how rough the journey can be - someone who is courageous and a legend and still determined to heal and fight the shadows. Every KM is for you and those who are suffering and impacted by mental illness. Please reach out. Somebody cares. You are not alone. In October, I'm walking 40km in One Foot Forward to help Australians.My goal is to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, so that they can put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.