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.
2,060,162km
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
Ali Odgers A tribute for Peter Blackburn
Patrina O'Rourke
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Kate Russell
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. It is a year since I experienced my own version of depression. I learnt that it affects everyone in a deeply personal way. It can not be defined, ignored or rushed through. It is a surreal and debilitating marathon. How the mind snaps in and out of it I still don't know. I know from tireless research that there are many human factors that can be at play. Life changes, aging ( especially Peri menopause,) hormone upheaval and personal and social conditions. I am currently out the other side and have pushed through. I feel like I have returned to the productive self I recognize and prefer. It has however made me cautious and at times fearful that this contentment and relief will not last. This is part of the journey of living with a mental illness and why everyone involved needs accessible resources and support to take on the marathon and what happens after you think your over the finish line.
Merindah
The big black dog does not discriminate. I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Megan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Kendall Gillings
I'm walking with my husband and son in support of those suffering with mental illness. In turn, we are finding the exercise refreshing and good for the soul!
Charlotte
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Susan Frost A tribute for Joe Beresford
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Nat
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
For Pete, who left before life truly began. Still missed 22 years later ❤️