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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

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

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.

Register now

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.”

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.

Register now

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.

Read More

Solidarity Wall

Stephanie

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

Katrina

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

Julia Charlesworth

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I am running 200km over October. Please support if you can. Since my life partner passed in 2018, I have struggled with my mental health, not daily but there have been dark days. In truth it was probably before this, but the trauma amplified things. I have learnt through exercise, recovery methods, sleep , nutrition, self determination, being in nature, giving up alcohol and being around people who raise you up, that I can manage it. However some times it is still a struggle and it takes practise. It affects many of us 1 in 5 If you can help I thank you. If you have read this I thank you. If you are struggling know there is help out there and please reach out. We are in this together people let’s raise it up 😎🙏😊❤️

Sha Niumata

I’ve struggled with mental health for many years. 7yrs ago now, I hit rock bottom and attempted to take my own life. I am now living a happy and healthy life, one I never imagined and so I am taking part in OFF to support those who are/have been where I’ve been. You’re not alone! There is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to make it there! We all in this fight together 💪🏽

Mille + Roly

We are walking together in solidarity for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide, and also for myself as I’ve been affected by mental illness my whole life. 🏹🖤🐾 You are not alone.

Tim

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

David Post

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

Brodie

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. I am one of you, you probably feel alone but you are not alone.

Rob Prendergast

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I tracked this down after seeing it voiced on a TV commercial, I think you'll love it!

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