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.
2,060,088km
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
Bree Churchill A tribute for My Fallen Angels
Eden Hamilton
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. You may feel that there is no where to run but your own mind, the mind us a curious place, it tends to over exaggerate things or underexaggerate things. Which is why it's always good to talk to someone. Of course, not all of us have the privilege of knowing someone that will understand but voicing our worries to people even just to ourselves can be very therapeutic. I wish you all the best in life; your stories not over
Cherie
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Bianca Delaney
This October, I’m walking in solidarity with Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide. No one walks this path alone.
Sameal Gould A tribute for Dad (Dave)
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Georgia James
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Wendy
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Daniel Turner
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. We are not our diagnosis', we are the PERSON that carries it. We don't "suffer" with mental illness, we LIVE with mental illness. Everyone in the world has strengths & weaknesses. We are no different. Turning up in the world at our best is simply a matter of utilizing our strengths & navigating our weaknesses...like EVERYBODY else. May wellness be with you, may happiness be with you, may hope be with you & may the force be with you 😁🙏🏼✌🏼
Terry Buchanan
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 myself, all of the amazing people I’ve lost along the way I’ve lost more people to suicide then I can count on my hands, AND EVERY SINGLE ORHER PERSON WHO IS FIGHTING. In the battle against mental health challenges, remember that you are never alone. It's a journey that unites us all, and together, we can lend a helping hand, an empathetic ear, or a shoulder to lean on. By standing together, we not only reduce the stigma surrounding mental health but also create a supportive community that fosters healing and resilience. Let's keep sharing our stories, seeking help when needed, and embracing the strength that comes from unity as we fight the silent battles within ourselves and others.