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

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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. 

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.

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

James Stephens A tribute for My family

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I am doing this for not just myself but my family too.

Melissa Smith

I’m walking for those with ptsd. I served in the nsw police for nearly 20 years and as I result left with ptsd and was medically retired at 37. It’s been a journey over the past few years and this walk is something I am passionate about. I have a podcast called mad Mel’s mic and this is my personal journey with PTSD. I hope that through this podcast I can share some insight and help others. I am walking to those I love who I have lost to the demons. I’m walking for you. Be kind to yourself

Leanne Flaherty

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I've struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life and watched others go through episodes. We all need to reach out when you sense someone is struggling.

Natalie boyton

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

Kat

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

Maree Baldwin

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I lost my brother in May this year after a long hard battle of various mental heath/addiction issues. As heartbreaking every step will be without him now in my life, I pray that each step will bring meaning to someone else facing this battle. You are not alone. This is an opportunity for us to all reach out to eachother for help and support, let’s make the most of it, we are all human, we are all here. I am here for you x

Claudia McQuillan

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone - you are 1 in 5.

Bianca Bennett A tribute for Those who are no longer with us

I’m walking for those affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. To those who have gone before us, we honor and remember you, each and every day.

Shane Rowe

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