At Severn Angels Housing & Support (SAHS), we believe that true independence and stability start with simple but often overlooked acts of personal responsibility and accountability. Without these, even the best support systems can fall short. When we fail to own our choices, we risk slipping into cycles of homelessness, resentment, and blame, pointing fingers at others, organisations, the government, even landlords, instead of looking inward for change.
Here are a few areas where taking personal responsibility can truly make a difference-
- Living Within Your Means
- Priority Bills First
Rent, utilities, and council tax must be non-negotiable.
The Consequence of Poor Money Management
- Eviction Risk
Not paying your rent or falling behind on payments often leads to eviction. Once evicted, future landlords may see you as a risk, making it harder to find a place to call home. - Cycle of Homelessness
Without addressing underlying spending habits, even those who are re housed can quickly find themselves back in crisis.
- Tenancy Management: Understanding the Tenancy Agreement
The tenancy agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord. Familiarise yourself with its terms, including rent payment, property maintenance, and procedures for ending the tenancy. Be mindful of tenancy rules, respect your neighbours, avoid antisocial behaviour, and report it if you see it. Maintain respectful communication with your landlord and practise positive dispute resolution. - Caring for Your Home Environment
- Maintaining a Safe, Well Ventilated, and Hygienic Living Space
- Routine Cleaning
A daily and weekly sweep, good ventilation, and uncluttered surfaces prevent mould, infestations, and deterioration.
Like everything in life, your home needs looking after. Neglecting small things like these can add up and leave the house eventually uninhabitable. It’s easy to blame “the system” rather than recognising our own part in its upkeep.
- Managing Mental Wellbeing
- Putting Strategies into Practice After a GP Appointment
Seeing a GP or therapist is just the start. Following doctors’ advice and strategies makes a huge difference. Taking initiative to ask questions about your health and how you can improve it is powerful. - Limit Negative Inputs
Excessive social media can bombard you with distressing news, breed unrealistic comparisons, and worsen your mood. - Avoid Self-Sabotage
Substance use might feel like relief but often undermines every therapeutic tool you’ve been given and can make your mental health worse in the long run.
Strategies for a Blame Free, Stable, and Healthy Life
- Own your life and what happens to it. Your life, your responsibility.
Taking charge of your life through personal responsibility and accountability is the start of change.
- Budget with Intention
Create a simple spreadsheet of income versus essential costs.
Set aside a small “rainy day” fund each week, even if it’s just £5. - Home Care Routine
Tackle one task per day, for example, wipe surfaces on Monday, vacuum on Tuesday.
Report any maintenance issues to your landlord before they worsen. - Active Mental Health Maintenance
– Follow the advice of your mental health practitioners.
– Schedule screen-free time read, walk, meditate.
– Spend more time on activities that give you purpose and a sense of achievement.
– Keep a “what helped me today” journal to reinforce positive steps. - Own Your Choices
When things go wrong, pause and reflect: “What part did I play here?”
Replace “They didn’t help me enough” with “What else can I try?” or “What other support can I put into practice?” - Build a Support-Plus Network
Combine professional help (GP, counsellor) with peer support groups.
Share your plan with someone you trust to keep yourself accountable
Moving Beyond Resentment
True empowerment lies in shifting from “Why did this happen to me?” to “What can I do now?” By embracing responsibility and accountability, we break free from the cycle of blame, build stronger relationships with our support networks and ultimately protect our homes, our health, and our future stability.
If You’re at Risk of Homelessness
- Shelter: 0808 800 4444 | https://www.shelter.org.uk
- Crisis: 0300 636 1967 | https://www.crisis.org.uk
- GOV.UK Homelessness Help: https://www.gov.uk/homelessness
You are not alone help is out there. Taking these steps today can safeguard your tomorrow.
