The Constitution of ‘Care To Talk’

1.0 Name

The name of the group shall be ‘Care To Talk’ for the purpose of this document may be referred to as the group.

2.0 Aims

The aims of the group are to help adults who are experiencing low to moderate level mental health difficulties which is affecting their daily life and wellbeing.

To provide options to encourage and develop a positive mental, emotional and physical future outlook.

To use various self management techniques throughout the group activities and providing encouragement and positivity during the development of these.

To offer peer support and encourage new connections and friendship.

To provide a comfortable, safe, confidential and supportive environment for all attendees.

To reduce social isolation by encouragement and empowerment by the use of the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ model. 

3.0 Objectives

To hold regular group meetings in Pontefract and the surrounding areas of the 5 towns including Knottingley, Castleford, and Featherstone.

To invite guest speakers and craft and art activity tutors to encourage and to help create and continue the aims of the group meetings.

To organise appropriate social activities (as above)and to encourage wellbeing through outdoor activities.

To raise and apply for money in order to fund projects applicable to the need required by the groups.

To work in connection and partnership with other organisations.

To hold information and educational sessions.

To undertake all mandatory law matters required to achieve the aims of the groups and their directions in the future. 

4.0 Committee

Chairperson – Joanne Mills

Vice Chairman – Theresa Radley

Treasurer – Jenny Pike

Secretary – Avis Gough

Issues will be voted on by a majority indicating ‘yes’ by a show of hands or verbally motioned from within the committee.

The committee will be identified by the circulation list, which gives contact details and a copy of which is held by each committee member.  The list is confidential within the group and no one person can give out contact details without first seeking the permission of the individual/committee.

5.0 Finance

All money will be held in a bank account

The accounts of the group may be inspected at any time with a forty eight hour notification to the treasurer (subject to their availability)

The treasurer will record all income and expenditure and provide regular statements showing the financial status of the group.

An independent person will check the accounts once per year , immediately prior to the AGM.

All expenditure of the group will be discussed at a proper meeting where any expenditure will be subject to approval.  There should be no retrospective claims for money.

Any withdrawals from the account shall be made only as approved by the Committee and on the signature of any two of the three designated signatories.

In the event of the Committee disbanding, all outstanding debts will be settled.   Any remaining funds, equipment or project outstanding will be offered to another group or groups with similar objectives to The Group.

This may not be possible in cases where funders have a clause stated within the original application that money or goods have to be returned to them.

6.0 Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least three times per year.

The Annual General meeting shall take place at a time and date decided by the committee.

The constitution may only be altered at the Annual General Meeting, or at an extraordinary meeting.

All officers will retire at the Annual General Meeting, but may be re – elected for the current year.

A committee meeting shall only be valid with no less than three members present.

7.0 Policies of the group

Equal Opportunities

The group respects the rights of all individuals to be valued equally, regardless of sex, disability, race, nationality, colour, religion, marital status, and culture.  We strongly believe that no person should be excluded from the group on these grounds.

The group welcomes any person, including those with special needs; everyone has a responsibility to ensure all people are valued and able to fulfil their potential.

The groups activities will always take place in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.

The Safeguarding Policy for ‘Care To Talk’ is available on a separate document which displays the relevant information required.