About this service
This is a voluntary sector service which is offered borough wide.
At Early Break, we provide specialist advocacy support for young people and families facing challenges related to substance use.
From one-to-one counselling and group work to whole-family interventions and advocacy, our services are trauma-informed, compassionate, and confidential, delivered across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
We believe in early support without judgement, we’re here to listen and guide you toward the right service.
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Services available include:
1. Advocacy
Our drugs and alcohol support and advocacy service is designed to give young people a voice in their own care.
We help you make informed decisions about your health, relationships and future by offering:
- One-to-one support provided by a specialist, young person’s substance advocate
- Harm reduction strategies to stay safe
- Support with emotional health, sexual health, family issues, and school or work
- Links to other Early Break services like counselling, wellbeing groups or housing support
Advocacy Workers offer one-to-one drugs and alcohol support, education, advice, and harm reduction interventions. They also have access to prescribing doctors, holistic therapies, and sexual health services.
Sometimes, the young person may only require a couple of sessions with an Advocacy Worker, while at other times, they may work together for a more extended period.
We’re already working with young people and families in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Salford, and Trafford at Early Break, both in their homes and in schools and community venues.
In Blackburn with Darwen, we’re part of the SPARK Recovery Collaborative, offering tailored one-to-one support for under-25s affected by substance use.
2. Family Services
Holding Families and Holding Families+
While both services focus on improving relationships, communication, and wellbeing within families, each programme has a specific focus based on the family's circumstances.
Find out more here- https://earlybreak.co.uk/holding-families-substance-misuse-support
3. Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to wait for a crisis.
Whether you're feeling low, overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, Early Break offers a range of emotional health and wellbeing services for young people across Greater Manchester.
Our support is built around choice, respect, and early access, delivered in schools, the community, and other safe spaces that work for you. We’re here to help you feel more in control, more connected, and more understood.
Explore the services below to find out what’s right for you, or speak to a professional to start your journey.
Who We Support
Our emotional wellbeing services are open to:
- Young people aged 5–25 across Bury, Rochdale and Oldham
- Parents, carers, and professionals looking to refer or learn more
- Those facing challenges with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, regulation, or emotional crisis
Whether you’re taking the first step or supporting someone who is, Early Break is here with compassion, experience, and the right kind of support at the right time.
Find out more here- https://earlybreak.co.uk/emotional-health-and-wellbeing
Service Information
| Target audiences |
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| Support groups |
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| Referral required | Yes |
| Eligibility requirements | Yes |
Notes
Each service Early Break delivers requires a referral form. Please visit our website and click on the referral forms button (top left), email info@earlybreak.co.uk or call 0161 723 3880 (am). Click here to visit our website.
The referral criteria for each service varies from being able to self refer or being referred by a professional. Please have a look at our website for more details.
Local Offer
| Contact Name | Early Break |
| Contact Email | info@earlybreak.co.uk |
| Age Bands |
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Location