New year…new you

From how to eat and live healthier, take control of your finances, get a new job, connect with new people, or make a difference in your neighbourhood. There are lots of small things you can do that will make a big difference to your wellbeing.

Achieve your work goals

Whether you’re unemployed or simply looking for a new challenge to kickstart the year, we can help you find work. Our free weekly Work Clubs provide friendly employment-advice to help you find a job or even start your own business. And if you’re wondering how to juggle parenthood and work, check out the Southampton Family Information Service for help and advice on childcare and what support is available.

Expand your mind and learn new skills

Self development can help you feel good about yourself and enhance your CV. Learn new skills for free through our tenant training programme or put your spare time to good use by becoming a volunteer on one of our tenant panels and work with us to improve the housing service for everyone. From keeping an eye on grass cutting to helping us set the budget, we have an opportunity for everyone, and it’s a great way to learn new skills and develop self confidence.

Get on top of your debt and money worries

If you overspent at Christmas the January bills can seem overwhelming, but it is important to face up to any money or debt problems before they spiral out of control. Check out our article on new year budgeting advice. For free, friendly and confidential support to help you maximise your income, and budget your finances, talk to our Welfare Rights and Advice team.

Establish healthy living principles

Eating well and keeping active is essential for physical health and mental wellbeing. And after the indulgence of Christmas, January is the perfect time to start a new healthier regime.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference to the way you feel. Try cutting out cigarettes, alcohol and sugary snacks, aim to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, and cook meals from scratch rather than buying processed food, which can also help to save money too.

You don’t need an expensive gym membership to stay fit; opt to walk or cycle instead of driving and use stairs instead of lifts. Keeping active in the fresh air makes you feel great so aim to walk for ten minutes every day or join one of the community gardening clubs run by tenants across the city. Contact us to find out more.

Connect with others

Joining your local tenants and residents association (TA) is a great way to meet your neighbours, make new friends, and benefit your local community. TAs often organise social events and activities, champion local causes, and work with the council to ensure local issues are resolved. Contact us to find out if there is a TA near you, or get support to establish a new group.

So whatever your new year resolutions, there are lots of things you can do to make a positive change to your life in 2025.