Full Breakdown
Rob Collins' Journey for Children's Mental Health Funding
4/8/2026, 1:30:12 PM
Walk to Downing Street for Mental Health Advocacy
Rob Collins, a resident of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, has embarked on a significant journey to Downing Street to advocate for enhanced funding for children's mental health services. His walk commenced on March 28, 2023, from a memorial bench dedicated to his son, Mitch, at Wolverley Secondary School. Mitch tragically passed away in 2019, prompting the Collins family to campaign for improved mental health support for young people. Their efforts have culminated in a petition known as "Mitch's Law," which has garnered over 13,600 signatures, falling short of the 100,000 needed for a parliamentary debate.
Background of the Campaign
The Collins family's advocacy for better mental health services began shortly after Mitch's death on Easter Sunday in 2019. The petition calls for the government to allocate funding for mental health workers in schools, aiming to alleviate long waiting lists and gaps in care that many young people face. The idea for the walk was initially proposed during Mitch's wake but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Rob Collins' health issues.
Challenges Faced During the Journey
Despite his determination, Rob Collins encountered a setback when he suffered a knee injury during the walk. He described the moment he injured himself, stating, "I went down a really steep hill and popped one of the cartilages in my knee." Although he initially hoped the pain would subside, he found himself unable to continue the walk the following day. In his absence, his wife, Lisa Collins, stepped in to maintain the momentum of the journey, with plans for their eldest son, Drew, to join Rob for the final three days into central London.
Family's Commitment to the Cause
The Collins family remains resolute in their mission, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for young people. Lisa Collins expressed their commitment, stating, "We would do this a million times over if it could have saved Mitch." She articulated their desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar grief, asserting that "no child, family or friends should go through what we have gone through."
Official Statements & Responses
The Collins family's campaign has received attention from various community members and mental health advocates, who echo the need for better resources in schools. The petition's progress and the family's journey have sparked discussions about the state of mental health services for children in the UK.
What's Next
The Collins family aims to reach Downing Street by Saturday, where they plan to deliver their petition and advocate for the necessary changes in mental health funding. Their journey highlights the urgent need for systemic improvements in mental health care for young people, a cause that resonates with many across the nation.
