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.
2,061,786km
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
Bernie McCarthy
Claire
🚶♀️ This October, I’m walking for mental health with One Foot Forward. 💛 Mental illness isn’t something I just hear about in the news or read in statistics , it’s something I’ve lived through. I’ve struggled with my own mental health, and I know how hard the bad days can be and how isolating it can feel. I also know I'm not alone. I've seen friends, colleagues, and family members go through their own battles, some still fighting, some in recovery, and heartbreakingly, some we've lost far too soon. That’s why this October, I’m walking in solidarity with every Australian whose life has been touched by mental illness and suicide. With every step, I’m carrying hope for those still in the fight and for those who feel unseen. Mental health does not discriminate. It touches people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Young or old, it can affect anyone and it does. By walking for the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward campaign, I’m raising awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting crucial mental health research and support services. If you can donate, share, or simply cheer me on, you’ll be helping more than you know. 💙 Love, Claire
Grazia
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Ange
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Kate
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Having lost friends and family to suicide I just want more people to know they are not alone and even in your darkest hour just flicking a text or a random call to someone can almost flick a switch in knowing your not alone.
Keely A tribute for Sinead
I’m walking in solidarity this October for my sister who passed recently and my dad who have both struggled with their mental health. Know that you are not alone and there is always someone who will listen.
Rosie
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I suffer mental health issues daily. Lucky for me I have a great support team
Rosita Koinegg
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. I lost the sight in my eye in 2018 which caused me to spiral as I had always been highly independent. I struggled with suicidal ideation for a long time until I realised that, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I am so very grateful that I reached out for help!! You are not alone, reach out! There is help and hope! The world is a better place with YOU in it!
Loren Lawford
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! Let's do this thing baby x