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.
2,061,619km
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
Mandy A tribute for Carl McFarlane
Roslyn
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Over the last 4 years I have been on a turbulent ride with the black dog on my shoulder. Lots of ups but way more downs. Today, I still continue to fight but I will continue to do what I can to fight this devastating illness. . I am strong and I am a survivor ❤️
Julie
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Robert Grzazek
I’m walking to stand with everyone affected by mental illness and suicide. Let’s keep raising awareness because no one should have to face these challenges alone.
Paul Harrison
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jacinta
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Karae Daley
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. My mental health battles began in high school, have cropped up again during and after pregnancies, and have stuck with me for the last few years. So many people suffer with poor mental health, but not many ask for help. The last few years for me have been particularly difficult and it took me a long time to stop pretending to my loved ones that I was okay. My photo is from a few years ago, when I prioritised running for my mental health. My head was in a much better place then, and I hope to get back there soon. I think the stigma around mental health issues needs to end. It starts with each of us having difficult conversations with the people around us. It's okay to not be okay! You are not alone!
Tristan Knoop
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Paige paterson
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
This year I lost my cousin Carl to suicide. I am walking for him and for his friends and family who grieve for him every day.