Simon Cobb protests custody battle impacts after five PAPA members died by suicide over the holidays
Simon Cobb leads PAPA, which stands for People Against Parental Alienation. He travels often for this cause. Simon is from Long Sutton, Lincolnshire.
He went to King’s Lynn Court on Friday. He laid flowers and wreaths there for his “Death Penalty Campaign,” honoring those lost to custody battles and remembering kids who lost a parent.
Simon said he knew five people who died by suicide at Christmas, relating to not seeing their kids. Losing contact with children hurts people deeply.
Simon thinks one parent gets more help during disputes, claiming they get housing and benefits. The other parent can face financial ruin.
He has taken this campaign to other courts, including Nottingham Family and Youth Court. Many feel alienated by child support and housing costs. They must pay bills, travel to see their child, and consider court fees.
The system focuses on money, according to Simon. He believes it does not help the other parent and fails at prioritizing the child’s well-being. He feels it needs serious changes and improvements.
PAPA has many supporters online, including over 44,000 on Instagram, 38,000 on Facebook, 22,000 on TikTok, and 6,000 on X. They all agree the system must change.
Simon knows he and volunteers can’t help everyone, but he thinks the system could be adapted. He wants kids to have good parental relations.
The court flowers were a metaphor, showing restricted rights can feel like death. The flowers got removed the next day, which Simon expected. He promised to keep campaigning for change.
King’s Lynn Court was asked for their comment.