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.
How It Works
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.
2,061,874km
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
Sybilla
Nicole
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Danielle Schubert A tribute for Julian David Schubert
My beautiful husband lost his battle in February 2024. I walk in his memory of all loved ones left behind
Kat
It’s my 2nd year and excited. Mental health is so important to me both for myself and selfcare, and for talking openly about it to eradicate the stigma that still exists. I can’t wait to raise money for this wonderful cause and organisation.
Justin Cottrell
I’m walking, running, swimming, moving in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are never alone.
Kelly Clunie
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. I personally know how hard it can be when you are drowning in darkness and feel you won’t see light again. You are not alone.
Christopher Radburn
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Olav
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. As someone who has seen the tragic effects of mental illness, I am walking for all those out there who struggle in their daily life. I am always there for friends, family and acquaintances. You are not alone.
Chantelle Hitchenor
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.