The Selby Trust

Who we are

The Selby Trust manages The Selby Center, a major multi-purpose community centre and resource in the heart of Tottenham.The Centre is home to over 130 social action organisations, and directly responding to gaps through partnerships between our community organisers and local residents. 

Started as a community centre run by Haringey Council from 1986-1990, the Council took on board the convincing case made by local residents to let the community run it and the asset was transered on a 25 year lease in 1997. The process of community self-management began in 1992 by local people who recognised the need for a community centre led by the poeople, for the people, wiht a vision for a place in the communtiy that people could afford and call their own. The Selby Trust became a company limited by guarantee in 1993 and a registered charity in 1994. 

The Selby Trust was supported by the late Bernie Grant and we are strongly supported by The Right Honourable David Lammy MP and Catherine West, the MP for neighbouring consittuency of Hornsey and Wood Green. 

The special thing about Selby Centre is that encompasses everyone. It strongly reflects the diversity of Haringey. After 26 years as an independent charity, it continues its innovative, multicultural and inclusive approaches to make the centre a place of solace, refuge, support, advice, training and meeting arena. We aim to bring people together across diverse services, and community businesses that encompass a rich mix of individuals, organisations, primarily from BME, refugee and other historically marginalised communities. 

Over 500 visitors a day visit the centre to access programmes and activities run by The Selby Trust or delivered by the 130+ community groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations, sports clubs, employability support businesses, faith groups and residents associations that use the Centre on a regular basis. 

We have a wide range of affordable spaces and halls for meetings, conferences, training and sporting activities. The outdoor space is fast becoming a base for environmental projects that promote bike maintenance, reycling, energy efficiency and horticulture. 

We are accredited by Social Enterprise Mark, as we generate over 75% of our own income, and are supported by Haringey Council, the Mayor of London, Community Organisers Ltd and Social Investment Business.