My name is Simon Cobb, and I am the founder of PAPA (People Against Parental Alienation). The journey to establishing PAPA is deeply personal, rooted in an experience that is heartbreakingly common. For many, parental alienation is not just a term but a daily reality that tears families apart. My story began much like yours or someone you know—a struggle with a broken system, the pain of separation, and the determination to create change.
In 2016, I founded Papa as a way to raise awareness of what I was experiencing and to connect with others facing similar challenges. At the time, I could never have imagined the impact it would have. What started as a small support network has grown into one of the UK’s largest communities and the second-largest campaign group of its kind.
A Personal Victory Amidst the Battle
I am fortunate to now have an equal arrangement with my son, a milestone I achieved years after starting PAPA. This outcome is not something I take for granted. While my personal fight has reached a resolution, I remain acutely aware that so many others continue to battle. It is for them—for the millions of parents and children affected by parental alienation—that PAPA stands today.
The Mission of PAPA
Parental alienation is a silent epidemic, often hidden behind closed doors and misunderstood by society. At its core, it involves one parent manipulating a child’s perception of the other parent, leading to fractured relationships and emotional trauma.
PAPA’s mission is threefold:
- Raise Awareness: Shine a light on the widespread yet often overlooked issue of parental alienation.
- Provide Support: Create a community where affected parents can share their stories, find resources, and connect with others who understand their struggles.
- Advocate for Change: Push for legal reforms and societal recognition of parental alienation as a critical issue impacting families.
Growing a Movement
Over the years, PAPA has grown beyond my initial vision. From grassroots beginnings, it has become a national platform for advocacy, education, and support. PAPA has been featured in numerous publications and has become a frequent topic on radio stations across the UK. These platforms allow us to amplify the voices of those affected, bringing attention to the emotional and psychological toll of parental alienation.
Stories of Hope and Resilience
One of the most powerful aspects of PAPA is the stories shared by our members. These stories are a testament to the resilience of parents and children facing unimaginable challenges. While every journey is unique, the shared determination to rebuild relationships and heal families is universal.
Looking to the Future
As PAPA continues to grow, our focus remains on expanding our reach and impact. We aim to work with policymakers, mental health professionals, and family courts to ensure that parental alienation is recognized and addressed. Our vision is a world where no parent or child has to endure the pain of alienation.
Join the Movement
If you or someone you know is struggling with parental alienation, PAPA is here for you. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and fight for the change that so many families desperately need.
Through PAPA, we remind parents and children that they are not alone—and that there is hope for a better future.