We have lost a great friend
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Pauline Young MBE
Pauline Young MBE passed away this week after a short illness, she will be missed by all who knew her.
Pauline has been a cornerstone of Cardiff & the Vale Parents Federation for most of its 30+ year history and her loss will be felt across the care sector. As a mum to Mathew she was his greatest advocate but she went much further than being a caring mother and grandmother.
Her generous spirit and willingness to help other families regardless of her own commitments is well known. Many of you will have benefitted form her personal intervention and many more unknowingly will be benefiting from the improvements to services and opportunities your child enjoys that she has successfully argued for.
Her commitment to the cause of carers and people with a learning disability led to her being a forceful advocate on behalf of families across Wales and beyond. She was often called upon by Welsh Government and the third sector for advice and support and her honesty, integrity and no nonsense approach earned her great respect across all sectors.
In recent years she received an MBE for her services but she did not slow down at all, even after several health scares and illnesses. Pauline simply couldn't say no to a challenge and those who know her would doubtless agree that her boots will not be filled by any single person.
She championed the underdog and those without a voice and was passionate about encouraging people to live as independently as possible and enjoy opportunities and a lifestyle of their own choosing. Her passion for putting the individual at the heart of choices made for them by listening to what a person wanted using a wide range of Person Centred Approaches was reflected in her oft quoted mantra that " all communication has meaning". Let's hope that we don't forget how to listen now that she is no longer able to remind us of this!
On behalf of all at the Parents' Federation and our members and friends we say a fond farewell and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time
