Black Dog Institute

We’re nearly 3 weeks into One Foot Forward 2026 and today, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the incredible Codie who is taking part in his 3rd year of the challenge. So far, Codie has raised an amazing $5,252 so far and plans to conquer 150km this month to help create better mental health for all. 😍 Last week, Codie organised a community walk, bringing together local community members to connect with each other and get active to raise awareness and funds for mental health. What an AMAZING effort! For Codie, this challenge is deeply personal. After losing his father to suicide when he was just two months old, as well as other people close to him, Codie has also faced his own mental health challenges, leading him to periods of homelessness and addiction. Following six years of working on his recovery and wellbeing, he is now a husband, father of three, coach and breathwork facilitator, committed to helping others recognise that change is possible. We asked Codie what motivates him to take part, and he kindly shared: “I know what it's like to feel alone. I know what it's like to feel hopeless. And I know how powerful it can be when somebody genuinely listens, cares and reminds you that your life matters. Every kilometre I walk represents someone who is struggling, someone we've lost, and someone who might still be here tomorrow because they found the courage to reach out for support.” His message to others is one of hope: “Your story isn't over. Your past doesn't define you. And no matter how dark things might feel right now, there is still hope for a different future.” We are so grateful for your support, Codie. Your passion and dedication are helping put ground-breaking mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of people who need them most. Together, our incredible One Foot Forward community is helping show the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year that they are not alone. 🧡 Good luck for the rest of your challenge, Codie - you've got this!

83% of teens use screens in the hour before bed. What do they need to learn about? As part of the Teens & Screens digital wellbeing program, students explore how technology can affect sleep, mood and energy, and build realistic sleep strategies that work in everyday life. Through ready-to-use, curriculum-aligned lessons, students develop the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their digital habits and wellbeing. 👉 Help your students build healthier habits with Teens & Screens: https://bit.ly/4fd4b72

The latest episode of Let’s Unpack That is now live!     We’re often told that talking about how we feel is an important part of looking after our mental health. But what happens when the words just aren’t there?     Can painting, writing, music or simply spending time with art offer another way to process what we’re going through?     In this episode, Dr Diane Macdonald, Katherine Boydell and Danielle Gullotta unpack:  👉 What the research tells us about the relationship between arts engagement and mental health  👉 How creativity can support self-expression, wellbeing and social connection  👉 Why you don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you     From visiting an art gallery to picking up a sketchbook or writing in a journal, this conversation explores how creative experiences can support our mental health, help us better understand ourselves and others, and create opportunities for connection in our everyday lives.     🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube now: https://lnkd.in/gaaEubSA

We're looking forward to connecting with workplace leaders, safety professionals and industry experts at WHS Expo Sydney this month. Visit the Black Dog Institute team to learn about our evidence-based workplace mental health programs and how they can help organisations build mental health literacy, support leaders and equip employees with practical skills. While you're there, don't miss Dr Andrew Arena's presentation: Psychosocial Risk Isn't New – So Why Are We Still Getting It Wrong? 📅 21 October 2026 ⏰ 9:50am 📍 Summit Stage

From international collaborations and conference presentations to new research, award recognition and active studies, the Child Mental Health Research Team continues to build momentum in improving outcomes for children and families. 🌏 Advancing global collaborations through the PADDY project and presentations at the World Congress of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 📚 Publishing new research to strengthen culturally responsive assessment and improve the evidence underpinning child mental health care. 🏆 Celebrating recognition at the UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Awards for both team culture and leadership. 🔬 Progressing the CARES study, exploring how digital tools can improve the diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children. Swipe through to learn more about the latest research, collaborations and achievements helping shape the future of child mental health care.

Congratulations to the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize winners, recognised for their contributions to mental health research, advocacy and support. This year's recipients, Dr Elizabeth McEntyre, Luke Baker, Michael Elwan and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, demonstrate the many ways individuals can drive meaningful change, from advancing research and improving care to strengthening communities and raising awareness. Their work is improving lives, strengthening communities and helping build a better future for mental health in Australia. This year also marked the first Australian Mental Health Prize presented in partnership between UNSW Sydney, Black Dog Institute and NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia). Thank you to The Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, for joining us in celebrating this year's winners, and to the nominees, judges, partners, supporters and organisers whose contributions make the prize possible. Congratulations to all four winners on this well-deserved recognition. 👏

What helps young people thrive at school? New research from Black Dog Institute found students who felt more connected to their school community in Year 8 were more likely to report better wellbeing in Year 10. The findings reinforce the importance of creating school environments where young people feel supported, valued, and connected to one another. Read more via The Conversation Australia + NZ 👉 https://bit.ly/4ye4AOr

All donations to our One Foot Forward fundraising pages will be DOUBLED TOMORROW thanks to our corporate partner, Safety Mate! 🎉 Up to the total value of $150,000 from 8am (AEDT) tomorrow - all donations will be MATCHED. Double donations means double the impact! Our incredible community has already raised $3,000,000 to help put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most. Let's keep this amazing momentum going. It's World Mental Health Day this weekend, so there couldn’t be a better time to take action. 🧡 Set yourself a reminder for 8am tomorrow and get ready to spread the word about your challenge this October to create better mental health for all.

If you're living with anxiety, you're not alone. Anxiety can affect daily life, relationships and overall wellbeing. We're committed to improving access to evidence-based mental health care. That's why we're evaluating myNewWay, a digital mental health app designed to help people manage anxiety symptoms. If you're an adult living with anxiety, you may be eligible to take part in our research study and help us build the evidence for effective digital mental health treatments. 👉 Learn more about the study and how to get involved: https://bit.ly/4ht8QDh

Communities have the power to create real change. For the past four years, the Nerriga Hotel community has come together through the annual Camp Oven Cook Off to support better mental health. This year alone, the event raised an incredible $35,770, bringing its lifetime fundraising total to almost $94,000. Every dollar raised helps support mental health research, education and programs, helping create better mental health for all. To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, sponsored and spread the word: thank you. Your commitment is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together behind a common cause. Feeling inspired? Whether it's a community event, sporting challenge, workplace fundraiser or something completely your own, you can make a difference too. 👉 Create your own fundraiser today: https://bit.ly/4bXqbkl