NHS appointments
Coming with you to GP, hospital or mental-health appointments, taking notes, asking the questions you couldn't think of in the room.
Voice · Advocacy
Hard meetings are easier with someone beside you.
Advocacy is having someone in the room who's on your side, who knows the system, and who'll help you say what needs saying. We do it ourselves where we can, and refer to statutory advocates when you need one.
What we help with
The everyday things people ask us about.
You don't need to know exactly what you need before you walk in. Most people start with one of these — and we work the rest out together.
Council meetings
Housing reviews, social-care assessments, school meetings — we sit with you and make sure your voice is on the record.
DWP & benefits
Phone calls to Universal Credit and PIP that you'd rather not face alone. We dial together, on speakerphone.
Statutory advocacy referrals
Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA), Care Act advocates, NHS Complaints (POhWER) — we know who covers North Yorkshire and refer you in.
Letters & complaints
Help drafting clear, evidenced complaints to the NHS, council, landlords or schools.
Hospital discharge
Coming home from hospital should be safe. We'll help question rushed discharges and push for the right care package.
What to expect
Three steps, and you're not on your own for any of them.
- 01
Have a brew with us
Tell us what's going on. We'll work out whether this is something we can do or whether you need a statutory advocate.
- 02
Prepare together
We talk through what you want to say, what you need to ask and what a good outcome looks like. You set the agenda — not us.
- 03
Into the room
Face-to-face, phone, or video — we're there, taking notes, prompting, and stepping in only if you want us to.
Who it's for
Come and see us if…
- You've got an appointment, meeting or call that you're dreading
- You feel talked-over or not listened to by services
- You want to make a formal complaint but don't know where to start
- You're being assessed for care, housing or benefits
- You're a carer fighting for the right support for a loved one
- You've been sectioned and need an IMHA — we'll refer you immediately
What to bring
Worth bringing if you've got it.
- The letter or appointment details
- Any previous correspondence, decisions or care plans
- Names of the people you'll be meeting with
- A friend or family member, if it helps
Don't worry if you haven't got everything. Come anyway and we'll work back from what you do have.
Frequently asked
The questions we get asked most.
Are you trained advocates?
Our team has communitea-advocacy training and years of practice. For statutory roles (IMHA, Care Act, NHS complaints) we always refer to specialist providers — Cloverleaf and POhWER cover North Yorkshire.
Will you speak for me?
Only if you want us to. Advocacy is about your voice. We're there to help you be heard — not to replace you.
Is it really free?
Yes. We never charge for advocacy. We're funded by donations, our furniture shop and a handful of brilliant partners.
What if I need an advocate today?
Ring 01757 642 177 and we'll do our best to fit you in. If we can't be in the room with you today, we'll help you prep on the phone and write what you need to say.
What's an IMHA?
An Independent Mental Health Advocate — a legal right for anyone detained under most sections of the Mental Health Act. We'll refer you straight to Cloverleaf, who deliver it locally.
Useful links we point people to.
A quiet pound doing noisy work
Support The Big Communitea Centre your way.
Every pound you give keeps the kettle on, the doors open and the support free. No middlemen, no fees, no fuss, just direct help for people in Selby who need it.
100% goes straight to the centre
Talk to a person
Give us a ring to book a time.
Support sessions are by appointment so we can give you our full attention. Call in or ring up, and a member of staff will set a time and date that works for you, Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. Support is for ages 16 and over. No referral, no awkward forms before you've even said hello.