1. NAME
The name of this group shall be Cleveland Afasic, which is a local branch of Afasic UK, 50 - 52 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DJ, (or such other name as the organisation may from time to time decide with the approval of Afasic UK).
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the group shall be as follows:
- To Be a Self-help Parent-led Support Group
Cleveland Afasic will provide support to parents, carers and professionals involved in the care and education of children with speech and language difficulties and communication impairments. This will be achieved through its activities, meetings and social events, and through enabling its members to share their knowledge and experiences.
Cleveland Afasic will promote to its members the availability of Afasic UK helpline for advice and counselling.
- To increase awareness and understanding about speech, language and communication impairments
Cleveland Afasic will aim to increase understanding about speech, language and communication impairments and their implications amongst parents, carers, professionals and the wider community. It will do this through its meetings and other activities, and through the publicity they attract. It will also seek opportunities to provide professionals and local education authorities through the experiences of its members as parents/carers.
2. POWERS
- To Organise Meetings, Activities and Social Events
Cleveland Afasic will aim to hold a programme of events each year, consisting of open meetings and social events. Speakers will be invited to meetings to provide information and advice to parents, carers and professionals. Social events will include some social and educational events for members' special needs children and their siblings.
- To Carry out Fundraising
Cleveland Afasic will have the power to raise funds, including the procurement of grants for specific purposes, and to invite and receive contributions through voluntary means. These funds will be used to maintain its running costs and activities, and to improve provision for children with speech and language difficulties and communication problems within Cleveland.
- To Publicise its Activities
Cleveland Afasic will seek to publicise its purpose and activities through distribution of publicity material and through links with the local media.
- To Carry out Lobbying
Cleveland Afasic will lobby local education and health authorities, and if appropriate, central and local Government, for improved resources and increased provision in education and the provision of speech and language therapy within Cleveland, for the benefit of children and young adults with communication impairments.
As far as possible Cleveland Afasic will seek to have a constructive relationship with the local statutory authorities and their representatives.
- Other Powers
Such other power as may from time to time be necessary to achieve Cleveland Afasic's objects.
3. GROUP STRUCTURE
- Membership
Cleveland Afasic will consist of members who join the local group and may or may not also be members of Afasic UK. A register of members will be maintained and updated twice yearly. There is currently no stipulated membership fee for Cleveland Afasic.
- Committee
The Committee will normally comprise members of Cleveland Afasic, who are also members of Afasic UK, who wish to be involved in the running of the local group.
Minimum Committee membership will comprise the following four officers:
Chairman Vice- Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Other members may be co-opted to undertake specific responsibilities on behalf of the Group. It will not be a requirement that such members are also members of Afasic UK.
- Election of Officers
Officers are elected at the Annual General Meeting, following nomination by the membership of Cleveland AFASIC. Failing any new nomination, the existing post holder will be invited to continue in office.
- Committee Meetings
The group will aim to hold an open meeting or informal/social event at least once a month.
Day to day decisions regarding the running of the Group will be undertaken at separate meetings of the Committee, and reported to the Group at its next open meeting. The committee will meet at least quarterly, and must have a quorum of three officers.
All members will be invited to attend the Annual General Meeting.
- Minutes
Full minutes will be taken of committee meetings, and distributed to committee members, and a copy sent to Afasic Head Office. The minutes will be approved and signed at the following committee meeting by the Chairperson and held on file. A file of approved minutes will be available for all members to inspect.
Minutes will also be taken for the Annual General Meetings, and distributed as above.
5. ACCOUNTS
All monies raised in the name of Cleveland Afasic will be held in the group accounts. These accounts will require two signatures for access to funds, signatories being the four officers of the Committee.
Expenditure should only be made for the running of the group and for the purchase of goods and services relating to the objects of the group.
All monies withdrawn from the accounts must have a valid account or receipt. Accounts will be maintained by the Treasurer, who will present them to the AGM. They will be audited by Afasic UK.
6. ANNUAL REPORT
Afasic will produce an Annual Report, which will include full details of the group finances and activities over the preceding year.
7. AMENDMENT
Subject to the following provisions of this clause the constitution/rules may be amended by a resolution passed by the committee and not less than half of the members present and voting at a general meeting. The notice of the general meeting must include notice of the resolution setting out the terms of the amendment proposed.
8. DISSOLUTION
In the event that the membership of the Group falls below four in number Cleveland Afasic will disband as an organisation. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be donated to Afasic UK, with the exception of any uncommitted grant funding which if appropriate will be returned to the grant-making organisation.