October 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.
2,059,029km
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 2025
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
Chris
Siobhan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. I have struggled with my own mental health on and off but significantly in the last year. It can make everything seem so hard and having help is so important. Hopefully we can raise enough to provide much needed support
Shaun Rankmore
I'm doing this for myself and many out there. I went through a dark place about 5yrs ago and i was so close to turning my lights off. But the support my wife and 4 kids were there everyday and onced i could see this and understood what i would be missing out on and the hurt and pain i would leave my love ones 💔 in. It wasnt just about me. So i was a licky one who saw the LOVE. SO , I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Life is short , so please live it and let people around you help and feel the love from them. Because when you leave, your hurt will be gone but the hurt your family and friends will live with will be worse. Stay strong 💪
Camilla tasker A tribute for Sean Barry Power
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.reach out to anyone you don't. Habe to go through this o. Your own
Jaimie Hoffman A tribute for My beautiful cousin
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Alana Wild
Exactly one year ago, I began experiencing daily panic attacks—terrifying in intensity and seemingly out of nowhere. The physical and mental symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder can be incredibly distressing and debilitating, significantly affecting one's life, health, work, and relationships. Now, a year later and from a place of healing, I hope to help break down the stigmas surrounding mental health while honoring the resilience of the human spirit. Human connection has provided me with a profound pathway to reflect, process, purge, and heal. I hope to offer that same sense of community and connection, and to provide even just one other person with a sense of hope and belonging.
Timothy Hampton
I'm walking this October to support anyone struggling with mental illness, I will do what I can for you.
Teresa
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Alli Duncan A tribute for Bronte Haskins
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
I am walking for the my 5th consecutive year & can't wait to celebrate with you all as we each smash our goals for this challenge.