Take Action

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness is Take Action: For Yourself. For someone else. For all of us…

This is particularly resonant for those of us who work with people and communities who experience homelessness and housing insecurity. Action is at the heart of preventing homelessness, especially when built on the understanding that homelessness is not inevitable. Knowing that things can be done to stop it in its tracks can motivate action, rather than feelings of deactivation.

To feel that your home is at risk, for whatever reason, is a huge stress on our mental health. With our homes being the foundation for just about every aspect of our lives, any form of housing insecurity can provoke, or make worse, experiences of anxiety and depression. Taking action to prevent homelessness is also taking action to safeguard our wellbeing.

For yourself

Getting advice and support as early as possible is a vital action to secure the best outcome for a housing issue. Putting things off until tomorrow, or hoping an issue will resolve itself, is rarely an effective strategy. Empowering yourself with information is a positive action; if the situation feels too complex, remember that navigating housing systems can be daunting. That’s why our Early Doors project exists, supporting people to solve problems.

For others

Experiencing homelessness is very often an isolating experience. This is an additional stress on our mental health. If you know someone in this situation, being there for them is a powerful action to take. Supporting them to find information, make an appointment to get advice, or attend an appointment can make it less stressful.

For all of us

Working together can be energising. Different perspectives can lead to new solutions. Caring in Bristol’s coproduction groups bring community members together to explore issues that create housing insecurity, and to work together to create solutions. The shared experience of living in the same neighbourhood becomes a strong basis to create connection, and the bonds created amplify feelings of wellbeing – especially when better outcomes are secured.

Remember – homelessness is not inevitable. Taking action as early as possible makes the best outcome possible.

Need information on rough sleeping? Housing? Renters' Rights Act? Download these handbooks to help you, or others, take action!

Caring in Bristol Handbook

Services and support for people experiencing a homelessness emergency in Bristol, including rough sleeping. Information on what's available, and how to access it. 2025 edition.

DOWNLOAD CARING IN BRISTOL HANDBOOK 2025

Housing Support Handbook

A tool for anyone facing money worries or housing problems in Bristol, with information on housing, finances, employment, immigration, food and wellbeing. 2025 edition. Created by our Early Doors service.

DOWNLOAD HOUSING SUPPORT HANDBOOK 2025

Renters' Rights Act Handbook

Renters have new legal rights from May 1st 2026. For help understanding the new rights, visit We-rent.org.uk to find information and organisations near to you that can support you.

You can also download the free guide to the Renters' Rights Act here:

RENTERS' RIGHTS HANDBOOK

All handbooks can help individuals access support, resources, and advice in Bristol. They are also helpful to workers and volunteers to support effective signposting to resources.