Throughout October, the little dog will be not just moral support but also the walking companion to his human, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, as she walks 100km for the Black Dog Institute.

The pair have just a month to hit both their walking distance target and their $1000 fundraising goal.

The Black Dog Institute challenge is held every year during Mental Health Month to try and raise vital funds for life-changing research into the treatment and prevention of mental illness, as well as support services.

"Mental health has always been something that I've struggled with and I've seen my friends and family go through different struggles [with]," Miss Fitzpatrick said.

"I think it's just really important to raise awareness and to raise some money... and it's good for me and Woodie," she added.

"We both need to lose three kilos so we're going to try and get out there every day."

According to the Black Dog Institute, every day in Australia, eight people will die from suicide, while one in five will experience symptoms of mental illness each year.

In preparation for their walkathon, Miss Fitzpatrick and Woodie have been walking between two and five kilometres every day and tracking their progress on their fundraising page.

Miss Fitzpatrick said she was hoping to "knock over" the 100km in 25 days, but conceded that Woodie's small stature and short legs could throw a few curve balls.

To track the pair's progress or to donate to their One Foot Forward fundraising walk, head to the Black Dog Institute website and search for Siobhan Fitzpatrick's campaign page.

For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

For mental health advice, call Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348.

To connect with specialist mental health services, call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

In an emergency, call 000 (Triple 0).

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