Login
Login

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

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.

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

Michelle Forsyth A tribute for Laurence Munday

I’m walking in memory of my little brother who lost his fight with this horrible disease.

Kris

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

TJ

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

Sharron

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

Amanda Arvanitakis A tribute for Bipolar families

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Our family carries the Bipolar 1 gene which I received from my father and now my son has been diagnosed. Bipolar episodes affect entire families when trying to get a diagnosis and help initially and it turns worlds upside down. The good news...this time last year my son was in a psych unit for a month trying to find medication that would deescalate and stabilize...now...12 months later he has maintained regular medication and has just completed his first year at Uni studying psychology. Thankfully this is the outcome for him and luckily the medication was effective and agreed with him. I wish it worked like that for everyone. I walk for all of you on this journey and don't give up finding what works for you 🙏🏼❤️

Evie

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone, it is brave to speak up 🩷

Carla Ferrari

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. As someone who works as a Forensic Psychologist and encounters mental health and suicide daily, I understand the widespread impact this can have on many areas of a person's life and relationships, for example, education, employment, relationships with friends/family/colleagues/community, parenting, substance use, and even involvement in the legal system. I have also been touched personally by mental health with several extended family members and friends who have struggled with varying issues, including a friend who lost her partner to suicide this year (in memory of ST). Mental health can affect anyone; it doesn't discriminate. Stay strong, take one day at a time, and set yourself one thing to do each day, building on the last. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help; there are people who care, and you never need to go through it alone.

Tionne Lee

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide, Stay alive to see the life you haven’t had the chance to live yet <3

Samantha Stocks

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I’ve had the best support, it’s real, it happens, and it’s ok not to be okay .

View more