Housing
Eviction notices, deposit disputes, repairs, homelessness. We connect you with Shelter and the council's housing options team, fast.
Legal · Signposting
The law is on your side. We'll help you find it.
We're not solicitors and we won't pretend to be. What we are good at is knowing who in Selby and beyond can actually help, for free, and getting you in front of them before things get worse.
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.
Family
Divorce, separation, child arrangements, domestic abuse. Specialist routes through Rights of Women, IDAS and local family solicitors.
Welfare & benefits
Refusals, sanctions, overpayments — usually a welfare-rights specialist, not a solicitor, is the right call. We'll book it for you.
Employment
Unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages. ACAS first, then Citizens Advice and union options.
Immigration
We use the OISC-regulated adviser directory to find someone trustworthy — never an unregulated 'agent'.
Wills, power of attorney, probate
Free Wills Month, Age UK and local solicitors with low-cost or fixed-fee options.
What to expect
Three steps, and you're not on your own for any of them.
- 01
Tell us what's happened
Bring the letter, the email, the court date. We listen and work out what kind of help you need.
- 02
We find the route
Legal aid, pro-bono clinic, Citizens Advice, charity helpline, regulated solicitor — there's usually a free way in.
- 03
Warm hand-over
We help you book the appointment, write the email or make the call from our office. You're not on your own with it.
Who it's for
Come and see us if…
- You've had a letter you don't understand
- You're worried about losing your home
- Things are unsafe at home and you need to know your options
- You've been treated unfairly at work
- You need a will or power of attorney but don't know where to start
- You're caring for someone and need to make decisions on their behalf
What to bring
Worth bringing if you've got it.
- Any letters, emails or texts that relate to the issue
- Court dates or deadlines
- ID and proof of address
- Bank statements (only if it's a financial or benefits issue)
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 give me legal advice?
No — that has to come from a solicitor or regulated adviser. We sit between you and them, making sure you get there.
Is legal aid still a thing?
Yes, for housing, family, mental-health and some welfare cases, depending on your means. We'll check eligibility with you.
What about Citizens Advice?
Citizens Advice Selby and District is brilliant for welfare and consumer matters. We'll help you book or refer.
I can't afford a solicitor.
Most legal problems have a free or low-cost route — pro-bono clinics, charity helplines, fixed-fee solicitors. The trick is finding the right one. That's our bit.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Anything you tell us stays with us unless you ask us to share it as part of a referral.
Useful links we point people to.
- Citizens Advice Selby & District ↗Local free advice for housing, benefits, debt and consumer issues
- Shelter · Housing emergency line ↗Free housing advice, 365 days a year
- IDAS · Domestic abuse support (Yorkshire) ↗Confidential support across North Yorkshire
- Law Society · Find a solicitor ↗Regulated solicitors in your area
- GOV.UK · Check if you can get legal aid ↗Quick official eligibility checker
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.