View from above of a person's feet wearing white sneakers standing inside a white circle on sandy ground.

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Cared for Children

in Oldham (C4C)

Emotional wellbeing support for Oldham’s looked-after children

Early Break’s Cared for Children (C4C) team in Oldham offers free, specialist emotional health and wellbeing support for children and young people aged 5–25 who are looked after by Oldham local authority.

Our approach is voluntary and trauma-informed, with no pressure to engage. We build trusting relationships with each young person, and work collaboratively with their carers, social workers, schools and other professionals, to offer care that is consistent, goal-focused and meaningful.

Whether you’re looking to support a young person through emotional difficulties, life transitions, or build general confidence and resilience, we’re here to help.

What C4C Support in Oldham Includes

Safe Zones is part of Greater Manchester’s crisis pathway, working closely with CAMHS, A&E liaison, NHS 111, and mental health rapid response teams to offer stepped-down emotional health support for young people aged 5–18 in Bury and Rochdale.

Support includes:

  • Monthly drop-ins – Open to all cared-for young people in Oldham, split by age group. No referral needed.

  • 1-to-1 emotional wellbeing sessions – Flexible support using mindfulness, talking therapy techniques and creative methods.

  • Group work & peer support – Including safe spaces to explore identity, wellbeing, and shared experiences.

  • Goal-focused interventions – Building skills, confidence and emotional regulation.

  • Support during key transitions – Such as placement changes, school moves or preparing for independence.

  • Outreach delivery – We meet young people wherever suits them best — home, school, community or virtually.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged 5 to 25

  • Looked after by Oldham local authority

  • Cared-for children or care leavers

  • No formal diagnosis required

  • No referral required for drop-in sessions

  • Referrals for 1:1 or group work can come via professionals or through our referral system using the button below

What Young People Say

“I didn’t know where to go after turning 18. Closing the Gap helped me sort out housing and got me back into college. It gave me a lifeline.”
— Young Person, Rochdale

Start a referral for C4C support in Oldham

Cared for Children FAQ’s

  • It refers to children and young people looked after by the local authority, including those in foster care, kinship care, or residential settings.

  • Yes, we offer support for care leavers up to age 25.

  • Yes. Drop-ins are open access and don’t require a referral. They're split by age to ensure the right atmosphere for each group.

  • They’re relaxed, welcoming spaces where young people can participate in activities, connect with peers, or simply talk to a trusted adult.

  • Yes, unless there is a safeguarding concern. We explain confidentiality clearly to each young person and respect their privacy.

  • That’s okay. Our service is completely voluntary. We never pressure or rush; support happens at their pace.

  • Absolutely. We value joint working with social workers, virtual schools, carers and other teams to make sure support is aligned and effective.

  • Wherever is best for the young person at home, school, community venues or our offices.

  • You can stay connected to Early Break in various ways listed below:

  • If you or someone you know needs urgent help, you can access our list of emergency and useful helpline numbers by clicking the Get Help Now. 

    This will open a quick-reference popup with 24/7 services and support lines for mental health, safeguarding, substance use, and crisis care.

From the Blog

Here’s a selection of articles from the blog related to our Emotional Health & Wellbeing services.