[jet]

I think that's because they are afraid to let go in case they fall foul of Pauline, Helen and to a lesser extent Toya. The atmosphere, the name calling, the slanging matches, the lectures etc would make most people retreat into their shells.
Pauline and Toya need to go. Maybe then Helen won't feel like such a big gun and shut her vile gob and the others can breathe a sigh of relief and express their personalities more.