STEPtember: Move a Little More in September for Cerebral Palsy
Every September, thousands of Australians lace up, roll out, and get moving for a wonderful cause. It’s called STEPtember - a month-long challenge that turns everyday movement into support for babies, children and adults living with cerebral palsy. As a physiotherapy team, it’s a campaign that sits close to our hearts: movement is what we do every day, and cerebral palsy is a condition many of the families we work with know well. In this article we’ll share what STEPtember is, how it works, why it matters, and a few gentle ways you might take part - whatever your fitness level.
What is STEPtember?
STEPtember is a fundraising and awareness challenge run by Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The idea is simple and joyful: aim to move the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day, every day through September, while raising funds to support people living with cerebral palsy. The money raised helps fund things like early detection and therapy for babies, along with research and services.
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. It affects movement and posture, and looks different for every person - which is exactly why a campaign built around movement, in all its forms, feels so fitting.
How does STEPtember work?
The beauty of STEPtember is that it’s designed to be doable for almost anyone. In broad strokes, here’s how it comes together:
Aim for 10,000 steps a day. That’s the daily target across the month - but it’s a goal to build towards, not a pass-or-fail test.
Move your way. You don’t have to walk or run to take part. A wide range of activities - over 40 of them, including cycling, swimming, wheeling and more - can be converted into steps, so people of all abilities and fitness levels can join in.
Team up or go solo. Many people form a small team (often up to four) with workmates, friends or family, which makes it social and keeps everyone motivated. You can also take part on your own.
Register and fundraise. Signing up is free, and participants gather sponsorship from their network to support the cause.
Because you can move in whatever way suits your body, STEPtember is genuinely inclusive - and that inclusivity is very much the point.
Why does a physio practice care about STEPtember?
For us, STEPtember brings together two things we believe in deeply: the value of movement, and support for the cerebral palsy community. We regularly work alongside children and adults with cerebral palsy, helping them build strength, mobility and confidence and work towards the goals that matter to them. A campaign that raises both funds and awareness for that community is one we’re always glad to get behind.
There’s also a lovely bonus for the rest of us. Building a little more movement into your day - a walk at lunch, a cycle with the kids, taking the stairs - is one of the simplest things most people can do for their general wellbeing. STEPtember gives that everyday movement a sense of purpose, and a bit of friendly team spirit to go with it.
How can I get involved?
There are lots of ways to take part, big or small:
Register a team at your workplace, gym, sporting club or among friends, and set a fundraising goal together.
Join as an individual and simply commit to moving a bit more through September.
Donate to someone who’s taking part, if stepping isn’t for you right now.
Spread the word - sharing the campaign helps raise awareness of cerebral palsy, which matters just as much as the funds.
You can find all the details, including how to register for 2026, at the official STEPtember website (steptember.org.au). And if you’re one of our clients working on your own movement goals, taking part in a way that suits your body can be a fun, motivating addition to what you’re already doing.
A gentle note on getting started
If you’re planning to move more than usual this September, ease into it. Build up gradually rather than leaping straight to a big daily target, wear comfortable supportive footwear, stay hydrated (especially in the Top End heat), and listen to your body - a bit of healthy effort is great, but sharp or persistent pain is a sign to stop and check in. If you have a health condition, an injury, or you’re returning to activity after a break, it’s worth having a chat with your GP or physiotherapist about the right starting point for you. We’re always happy to help you set a plan that builds you up safely rather than leaving you sore.
Summary
STEPtember is a simple, inclusive way to move a little more in September while supporting babies, children and adults living with cerebral palsy. You can step, wheel, swim or cycle your way to the goal, on your own or with a team - and every bit of movement (and every dollar) helps. As a physio team, we’d love to see our community get behind it.
Move with us this September
Thinking of taking part, or want help easing back into activity safely? We’re here for it.
Darwin, NT - Unit 5, 396 Stuart Highway, Winnellie. Call (08) 7918 0879 or email reception@outreachphysiotherapy.com
Adelaide, SA - mobile physiotherapy across Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, and remote SA. Call 0475 921 397 or email reception@outreachphysiotherapysa.com
We come to you — at home, work, or in the community. Learn more at outreachphysiotherapy.com.