Free meals on shift
Hot lunch, brews and biscuits on us whenever you're volunteering at the centre or the store.
A proper feed, on the house
Volunteer with The Big Communitea Centre
Two hours of your week. A lifetime of someone else's.
No mental-health background required. No CV needed. Just bring yourself, a willingness to listen, and a thirst for tea, and you'll be helping protect the mental wellbeing of people right across the area. We'll handle the rest.
15+
active volunteers
8,400
cups of tea poured last year
365
days a year, no one alone
£0
to start, we train you
What you get back
We give as much as we ask for.
The perks are practical. The point is people. Here's what shows up in your week when you join us.
Travel expenses covered
Mileage and bus fares reimbursed, because volunteering shouldn't cost you a penny.
Petrol and bus fares back in your pocket
Free parking
Use of our parking while you're on shift, no juggling change for the meter.
Park up, no meter, no faff
20% shop discount
A fifth off everything in The Big Communitea Store, from sofas to crockery.
A fifth off, every visit
A friendly, supportive team
WhatsApp groups, monthly socials, and a Christmas do that gets talked about all year.
Your second family in Selby
Experience and confidence
Accredited training, real responsibility, and a reference that actually means something.
Real skills, a reference that counts
Real local impact
You'll see the people you help. You'll remember their names. They'll remember yours.
The people you help, by name
How it works
From "I'm curious" to "I'm in".
Four steps, no pressure. Most people are on their first shift inside a fortnight.
01
Say hello
Send an email or pop into the centre. Twenty minutes, cup of tea, no commitment.
02
Find your fit
We'll talk through the roles and match you to one that suits your time and your strengths.
03
Get trained
Shadow shifts, accredited courses if your role needs them, a buddy for your first month.
04
Get stuck in
Start your shifts, meet the regulars, find out why nobody ever really leaves.
Find your spot.
From the centre to the high street, from the kitchen to the back of a van, there's a role here with your name on it.
The Big Communitea Centre
Ways to help at the centre
🍳
Food prep & kitchen
Help prepare, cook and serve meals while sharing your favourite recipes and kitchen skills.
Flexible
🎲
Activities & wellbeing
Create games, activities and social opportunities that help people build confidence, friendships and have fun.
Flexible
☕
Front of house
Welcome visitors, offer a friendly face and help people feel at home from the moment they arrive.
1 shift / week
🎨
Arts & crafts
Support creative groups, run activities and bring fresh ideas to our busy art room.
Flexible
🚐
Communitea transport
Drive our minibus and help people access the centre, appointments, trips and activities.
Flexible
👂
Listening ear
Sit with people at the Centre, make them feel heard, and help them talk through whatever's on their mind.
Flexible
💻
IT & tech support
Help people at the Centre with computer issues, form filling and basic tech introductions.
Flexible
The Big Communitea Store
Ways to help at the store
🛍️
Retail & till
Serve customers, process sales and provide excellent customer service.
Flexible
🚚
Van crew
Assist with furniture collections, deliveries and communitea support projects.
Flexible
📦
Donations
Sort, steam, clean, price and prepare donated items ready for sale.
Flexible
🛋️
Shop floor
Keep displays tidy, greet customers and help create a welcoming shopping experience.
Flexible
Why it matters
In Selby, 1 in 4 of us will struggle this year. Most won't ask for help.
We're not waiting for them to. We open the door, put the kettle on, and let people find us at their own pace. Every volunteer is another reason someone in this town doesn't spend Tuesday night alone with their thoughts.
You don't have to fix anyone. You just have to be there.
"I walked in on the worst day of my life. Someone sat me down, poured me a tea, and didn't ask a single hard question. That's the day I started getting better."
A visitor, last winter
What our volunteers say.
Everyone is nice, it teaches me great skills and grows my confidence.
It's great to be part of a team and learn new skills and ways to communicate. The management team are fantastic.
I like to give back to the communitea and bring joy to people. I have experienced mental health difficulties myself, so it is great to give something back.
It's great to support and help people on a local level. It feels good to make a difference and change a life.
Honest answers
The questions everyone asks.
Do I need mental health experience?+
No. For most roles, kindness and patience are the qualifications. We train you in everything else.
How much time do I have to give?+
As little as two hours a month. Some volunteers do a full day a week. Tell us what you can spare.
What if I'm nervous?+
Almost everyone is on day one. You'll shadow an experienced volunteer for your first few shifts, and you'll never be on your own.
Can I volunteer if I've used the service?+
Absolutely. Some of our best volunteers came through the front door as visitors first. Lived experience is gold.
Is there an age limit?+
You need to be 18+ for most roles. We have a separate youth programme for 16–17s, ask us.
