My name is Simon Cobb, and I am the founder of PAPA (People Against Parental Alienation). My journey began, like many others, with a deeply personal struggle—a situation that might resonate with your own experience or someone close to you. In 2016, I founded PAPA as a platform to raise awareness about the painful impact of parental alienation and to create a space for much-needed support. This was my way of reaching out, sharing my story, and finding others who were dealing with the same heartbreaking issue. Over time, PAPA has evolved into one of the largest and most prominent advocacy groups in the UK, and now, with a chapter in Canada, we continue to expand our efforts to raise awareness of Children’s rights in the face of parental alienation.
From Personal Struggle to Public Advocacy
In the early years of my journey, I felt isolated, frustrated, and helpless as I fought to maintain a relationship with my son. Parental alienation was causing an insurmountable divide between us, and I found myself in a battle that felt endless. However, by 2016, I realized that if I was experiencing this, then so were many others. This realization fueled my determination to create PAPA. Our mission was clear: to raise awareness, provide support, and fight for the rights of parents and children affected by parental alienation. Over the years, PAPA has grown immensely, not only in size but also in its impact. Today, PAPA stands as one of the largest support communities and campaign groups in the UK, empowering those who are caught in the web of alienation.
Expanding Across Borders: PAPA in Canada
What started as a grassroots movement in the UK has now grown into an international initiative. I am proud to say that PAPA now has a dedicated chapter in Canada, spearheaded by Chris Rauch. This expansion represents a significant milestone in our mission to support parents and children worldwide who are struggling with parental alienation. The experiences of alienated parents and children are not confined to one country or region. Parental alienation is a global issue, and the more we can spread our message of hope and support, the more lives we can change. The growing reach of PAPA is a testament to the universal need for advocacy in this area of children’s rights.
The Equal Arrangement: A Story of Hope and Change
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been the personal success I have experienced with my own relationship with my son. I am happy to report that I now have an equal arrangement with him, and we have enjoyed this dynamic for several years since the founding of PAPA. It is important to recognize that I am one of the “fortunate” ones. There are many parents who have not yet been able to reclaim their right to see their children. This is why I continue to fight for the countless others who are not as “lucky” as I am. While my situation has improved, I remain committed to representing the thousands—indeed, millions—of parents and children affected by parental alienation.
The Growth of PAPA: A Community of Support
Over the years, PAPA has grown into more than just a campaign group. We have become a community—a place where parents, caregivers, and children can find support, resources, and solidarity. Our community now includes a free forum and resource center where individuals can connect, share experiences, and access helpful information. Additionally, our Facebook support group has become a vital part of our outreach efforts. These platforms offer a space for people to find encouragement, share stories, and learn from others who are going through similar struggles.
Free Support: Children’s Rights Should Not Have a Price Tag
At PAPA, we believe that no parent should have to pay to see their child. This principle extends to our approach to support and advice. We offer as much as we can on a goodwill basis, ensuring that anyone who seeks our help can access it without the barrier of cost. Our services are free of charge, and this commitment reflects our core belief that children’s rights—particularly the right to a meaningful relationship with both parents—should not come with a price tag. We want to make sure that all families, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the support they need to navigate the complexities of parental alienation.
Raising Awareness: A Global Movement for Children’s Rights
The work of PAPA has been featured in numerous publications, and I have had the privilege of appearing on radio stations to share the experiences of those affected by parental alienation. Through these platforms, we continue to raise awareness of the emotional and psychological harm caused to children and parents by alienation. Our efforts have helped bring this issue into the spotlight, but there is still so much work to be done. Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse, and it is crucial that we continue advocating for the children’s rights to maintain healthy, loving relationships with both parents.
A Future Focused on Children’s Rights and Parental Support
As PAPA continues to grow and evolve, we remain focused on our mission to support and protect the rights of children. This fight is far from over, but the progress we have made is proof that collective action can bring about change. We will keep pushing for a world where no child is deprived of their right to a loving relationship with both parents, and no parent is denied the ability to be a part of their child’s life. Together, we can continue to advocate for the fundamental rights of children everywhere.