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.
2,061,734km
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
Kellie
Darren
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. Let’s do this together 👍🏽
Toby baker-Franklin
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Amy
Being a mum while my world fell apart was the hardest role Ive ever had to play. But it can and it will get better. You are enough
Rochelle Burke A tribute for Walking for Me. Walking for Us.
I’m walking this October for everyone navigating the ups and downs of mental health—including myself. For the days that feel heavy. For the moments we show up anyway. For the quiet battles that no one sees. I walk in solidarity with every Aussie affected by mental illness and suicide. For those who speak out, and those who can’t. For the ones still finding their way, and for those who’ve helped me find mine. This walk is a reminder: we’re stronger together. And none of us have to walk alone. 💛
alan
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.
Jenni
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. Together, we really can make a difference.
Tim
Been here before and happy to be here again. This is now my 3rd year and i look forward to it every year. I have suffered with mental illness for to long to remeber. I will never forget this month and what it means to me, and so many!!!You are not alone.
Sandra Muckersie A tribute for To those battling severe illness
I think of those of you for who mental health is a daily challenge as you face the uncertainity of a life threatening/ serious illness.
I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone.