Applications Open For One Foot Forward Challenge For Mental Health Month

One in five Australians experience symptoms of mental illness each year.

October is Mental Health Month and Black Dog Institute has called for people to participate in One Foot Forward, a national virtual challenge to walk, run or roll 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km or any other distance that suits to show people experiencing symptoms that they’re not alone.

The other aim of the challenge is to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services in Australia.

Head of fundraising at the Black Dog Institute, Evan Jackson said one in five Australians experienced a mental illness each year which means around five million people are personally affected.

“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone,” Mr Jackson said.

“You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.”

Mental illness costs Australian businesses $39 billion in lost revenue each year.

Black Dog Institute urges corporate groups and businesses to join the challenge.

“This national virtual event is a great team-building exercise for colleagues, can increase staff morale and help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace,” Mr Johnston said.

Over 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled over 2,286,105km during Mental Health Month last year, joined the fun, got active and raised funds to help the Black Dog Institute put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year can assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.

Help create better mental health for all Aussies. Register online today at www.onefootforward.org.au.

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Welbeing
• Fundraiser