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
Jakey Sting Rae
Craig Revell
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Sue
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Claire A tribute for All my friends and family
A tribute for All my friends and family A tribute for All my friends and family To my friends and family who carry unseen burdens, I know that the weight of mental health challenges can be overwhelming. I’ve seen how it can cloud the brightest days and make life feel impossibly heavy. I also know how easy it is to feel alone in that struggle, but I want you to know—you're not alone. I stand with you, even when it feels like the world is too much. Whether in moments of strength or times of quiet despair, I’m here for you. You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, or simply someone to be there, I will always be by your side. No struggle is too small, and no conversation is too heavy. Together, we can face the difficult moments, hand in hand, and help each other find the light again. I promise to hold space for you and support you, without judgment or expectation. We may not have all the answers, but we have each other. And sometimes, that’s enough. With love and solidarity, Claire
Kerry
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Cost nothing to join in support. Let’s do this
Susan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Tiam Cann
Losing one person from mental health struggles is too many. I have lost too many friends and colleagues over the years and I myself have had my moments. I am walking in support of anyone who suffers or who has suffered in the hope that we can find a way to help everyone get the support they need when they need it.
Matthew Kessler
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Olivia
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.