ACTION AGAINST TRANQUILLISER ADDICTION

CONSTITUTION

NAME

The name of the organisation is Action Against Tranquilliser Addiction

 

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of the organisation are to help those who are affected by dependence and misuse of benzodiazepines and to reduce the harm associated with the use and misuse of benzodiazepines. We aim to establish local help lines to meet this objective.

Aim to engage with external organisations such as other voluntary organisations, statutory bodies  and healthcare bodies to achieve a best practice policy for the management of benzodiazepine dependence and to make more people aware of our service for benzodiazepine dependence. To achieve this objective we will produce and distribute leaflets and information packs and establish a referral system of clients who are benzodiazepine dependent.

Aim to increase awareness of the adverse consequences of the long-term use of benzodiazepines. This objective will be achieved via distribution of leaflets and information packs and the services of a helpline to give information and sign posting.

To increase awareness of the problem inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing via establishing a good working relationship with doctors.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Anybody who is aged 18 years and over can apply for membership. Membership can only be granted with the approval of the management committee. Such members who are accepted as full members shall be entitled to vote at the AGM.

 

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (GOVERNANCE)

The management committee will be no less than three people and no more than seven people. Three of the committee will hold office bearers position.

 

MEETINGS

The committee will meet quarterly to allow the organisation to achieve its objectives.

 

AGM

An AGM will be held on an annual basis; members will be invited to vote in a new committee. The AGM meeting will be held no more than 15 months from the previous AGM.

 

EXTRAORDINARY MEETING

Extraordinary meetings will be called by the chair if there are any urgent matters requiring attention.

 

AMMENDING THE GOVERNING DOCUMENT

From time to time the committee will review the constitution to ensure that it meets the organisations objectives.