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 your interest for 2027

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One Foot Forward - The walk for mental health!

Join us to walk, run or move this month 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 your interest

How It Works

1. Sign Up

Register your interest (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.

We've conquered
1,699,499km
for mental health!
That’s 2 whole laps around Australia!

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. 

Register your interest for One Foot Forward 2027

Join our community to create better mental health for all Australians.

Register your interest

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

Dawn Wiles

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

Mathew

I’m walking in solidarity this October for all those people fighting their demons just know you are not alone

Sara A tribute for My dear friend Alex and my beautiful Mum. Talking about grief and mental health is so important. It woukd mean so much to me to raise money for this wonderful cause.

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

Merilynn & Bronx

Final push! Let’s go! - grateful for an amazing cause that’s gotten me up and out of the house to get those steps in, in support of all Australians going through mental health struggles - we see you! Know that You matter and we will continue to walk this path alongside you!

Kathy A tribute for Barbi

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Everyone in my family has been impacted by a mental health issue - from my baby sister, my big sister (RIP), my mother and now my 88 year old dad has been diagnosed with depression. This is why I work in the mental health field and it’s why I walk every year 🙏🏻

Celeste

I’m walking in solidarity this October for myself and others that struggle with mental health everyday .

Judy

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

Jenna McGlynn

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

Freeman A tribute for Robert

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