Benefits check
A proper sit-down to see what you might be entitled to: Universal Credit, PIP, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance and more.
Money · Financial help
Tight months happen. There's more help than you think.
Bills, benefits, sudden expenses, the cost of just getting by. We'll do a free benefits check, help you apply for the right grants and walk you to the right door for the rest. No judgement, no forms left undone.
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.
Household Support Fund
North Yorkshire's emergency cost-of-living fund. We help eligible residents apply for food, energy and essentials vouchers.
Charitable grants
There are hundreds of small UK charities that give one-off grants. We use Turn2us to match you to the right ones.
Energy bills
Help with priority-service registers, warm-home discount, energy debt and crisis fuel vouchers.
Food & essentials
Food parcels through Selby Foodbank referrals, plus our own daily meals when you need them.
Debt signposting
We're not a debt agency, but we'll walk you to free, regulated help with StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline.
What to expect
Three steps, and you're not on your own for any of them.
- 01
Book a slot
Ring 01757 642 177 or email to arrange an appointment, Mon–Fri 9–4. Bring whatever paperwork you have.
- 02
Honest chat
We'll go through income, outgoings and any letters that are worrying you. Confidential, no judgement.
- 03
A plan, in writing
You leave with a list of next steps, things we've already submitted, and a date to come back.
Who it's for
Come and see us if…
- You're worried about money and don't know who to ask
- You've had a brown envelope you don't understand
- Your benefits have stopped, changed or been refused
- You can't afford to top up the meter
- You've run out of food, or you will soon
- You're juggling debts and need a clear head
What to bring
Worth bringing if you've got it.
- Recent bank statements (last 1–2 months if possible)
- Any benefits letters
- A list of bills and any arrears
- ID and proof of address if you have them
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.
Will you tell anyone about my situation?
No. Anything you share stays with us unless you ask us to refer you on. You're in control.
Are you a debt charity?
No, and we won't pretend to be. For regulated debt advice we'll connect you with StepChange or Citizens Advice — both free.
How quickly can I get a food parcel?
Usually same-day through a Selby Foodbank voucher. If we're open and the foodbank is, you'll go home with food.
Do you give out cash?
Not directly, but we apply for grants on your behalf and many of those land as supermarket vouchers, energy top-ups or direct payments.
What's a benefits check?
An hour with one of our team using a free calculator to see what the state owes you. People often leave £1,000s a year on the table — let's not.
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.