Pauline is in danger of being called ‘Pauline Firshill’. Like any good tenants activist she has a single minded approach to her responsibilities. She’s had a long background of commitment, from the days working at the Co-ordinating centre Against Unemployment (SCCAU) in the 1980s, to her involvement with the church and now to her involvement with Firshill Tenants & Residents Association. (Has there ever been a New Years Honours without someone/something at Firshill getting an honour?)
From being vice-chair, to being secretary and now chairperson of the TARA, Pauline has been a consistent presence on the estate, in the office and carrying the word and asking questions far and wide – including throughout Sheffield Homes. Sometimes her colleagues think that she does too much and makes herself ill, but she is, as they say, “unstoppable”. She’s got this thing about training as well – always keen and eager to know –but it’s a sometimes a step too far for her fellow tenants!
TARAs might not be flavour of the month these days with some people, but for this Area Panel, we want to see lively and healthy TARAs across all the estates – and it’s people like Pauline who will make that happen.