October 2nd, 2025Community in motion: putting One Foot Forward for better mental health
Black Dog Institute is calling on people around the nation to put One Foot Forward this October and take part in a national movement for mental health.
Held during Mental Health Month, this virtual challenge invites people to walk, run, or roll throughout the month to raise funds and support the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness every year.
Since its launch in 2020, One Foot Forward has inspired more than 170,000 people to get moving, raising over $34 million for Black Dog Institute’s critical mental health research, helping put ground-breaking mental health treatments, education, and digital services into the hands of people who need them most.
Tamara Aiken, One Foot Forward Campaign Manager at Black Dog Institute, says the campaign is a reminder of what community action can achieve.
“One Foot Forward is a practical way for people to show support and take action on an issue that affects millions of Australians,” says Tamara.
“Every person who takes part is helping improve access to support and reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.”
For Rachel, who lost her close friend Daniel to suicide, the challenge offered a way to channel her grief into something meaningful.
“When I found out about One Foot Forward, it gave me a way to keep honouring Daniel’s life and also help other people who might be battling their own mental health issues,” Rachel says.
“It gave me a way to focus all of that energy that I didn’t know how to use, and turn it into something really positive and beautiful.”
“One Foot Forward is so much about the strength of the community and feeling support from everyone who’s participating and the fundraising team. I love just being a part of something that’s really positive and feels like I am a part of making a change in the world.”
Rachel has now completed the challenge multiple times, inspired by both the cause and the community that surrounds it.
For Cheyenne, who has experienced her own long journey with mental health and faced some of her darkest moments while navigating family, health, and personal challenges, One Foot Forward has been both a lifeline and a platform to give back. Since 2020, Cheyenne has proudly raised $25,000 for Black Dog Institute – an incredible $23,000 of that through One Foot Forward.
“The One Foot Forward community is a beautiful and encouraging network. We support each other, we cheer each other on, we speak about our personal journeys without judgement, and we share our achievements,” Cheyenne says.
“I love the support from my community, the joy I feel when I accomplish my targets and the fulfilment of being a part of something that will change the lives of so many people.”
Meanwhile, Julia, who has been participating since 2021, is preparing to walk an incredible 600km this October – including a 24-hour walk.
“I literally wait for October to come around every year. My mind and body thrive on it,” Julia says.
“By talking about mental health and reducing the stigma and silence, we also reduce its power to take over. We can let others know that it’s okay not to be okay, you aren’t the only one, and there are organisations you can go to for support and education.”
Funds raised through the challenge support Black Dog Institute’s work in suicide prevention, digital mental health tools, early intervention research, and community education programs. Suicide is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Each year, too many lives are lost — and behind every number are families, friends, and communities forever changed.
That’s why taking part in One Foot Forward matters. Every step helps fund ground-breaking research and practical support to improve mental health across Australia.
Registrations are now open! Join Tamara, Rachel, Cheyenne, Julia, and thousands of others in putting One Foot Forward this October and help create better mental health for all.
