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.
2,060,889km
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
Kris A tribute for Kevin. Much loved and never forgotten. Forever 20 years old.
Veronica A tribute for Grant Kallus
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Mark Gower A tribute for Kimberly Gower
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Rachelle
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I myself have survived and without groups like this I would not be here. I am finally able to ask for support and help and it has been through this and other organisations that have given me the knowledge and resources that have kept me here. I am so grateful and am proud to be able to assist funding to help others that may be going through this right now.
Jordanne
I’m running in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Chris McCann
I’m skateboarding solo from Noosa the Brisbane on the 20th of October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Carla Cochrane
I’m walking in solidarity this October for myself, all my family and friends and everyone affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Karina
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Kaitlyn richards
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 the many closest to me who suffer with Mental Health issues.