One in five Australians, or five million people, experience a mental illness each year, but 60 per cent do not seek help. Too many die by suicide, the leading cause of death among 15- to 44–year-olds; nine people suicide every day.
The Black Dog Institute, a mood disorder not-for-profit organisation, is calling on the public to take a stand in solidarity by participating in One Foot Forward – a national virtual challenge taking place in October: Mental Health Month.
The challenge, which kicks off this Sunday, 1 October, is to walk, run, or roll 40 km, 60 km, 100 km, 150 km, or a distance that suits them throughout the month. This will show people with mental illness that they are not alone, and help raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services.
“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,” Evan Jackson, head of fundraising at the Institute, 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, and the Black Dog Institute is calling on corporate groups and businesses to join in 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 Jackson said.
In 2022, more than 28,000 participants walked, ran, or rolled more than 2,286,105 km during Mental Health Month. The funds they raised put ground-breaking 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 talk to school students about mental health in schools and how to get support.
There is still time to register for free at www.onefootforward.org.au
