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Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Closing

T he Gap

Helping You Move Forward

Closing The Gap is a dedicated support service for young people aged 16–25 in Rochdale who may be at risk of "falling through the gap" between child and adult services.

Whether you’re struggling with your emotional health, substance use, or need guidance through a major life change, we’re here to help you bridge that gap.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis or referral to access support. If you’re unsure where to turn, this is the place to start.

Who is it for?

  • Young people aged 16–25

  • Living in Rochdale

  • Going through a period of change, uncertainty, or vulnerability

  • Open to receiving support to improve health, wellbeing and future opportunities

What We Can Help With

We offer holistic, person-centred support, shaped around what matters most to you.

We offer holistic, person-centred support, shaped around what matters most to you.

This might include:

  • Low mood, anxiety or emotional health struggles

  • Drug or alcohol use

  • Housing issues or instability

  • Accessing education, training, or employment

  • Navigating relationships and building confidence

  • Sexual health and safety

  • Managing finances or budgeting

  • Social prescribing and community connection

We’ll listen to what’s going on and work with you to put together a plan that makes sense for your situation. If there are things we can’t offer directly, we’ll connect you with services that can.

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

What to Expect

  • A safe, friendly environment with people who understand

  • One-to-one support with the same worker for consistency

  • A non-judgemental space to explore what’s going on

  • Flexibility, we’ll work with your schedule and your pace

  • Referrals or signposting where needed (e.g. housing, counselling, GP support)

Book titled 'Early Break: Emotional Health & Wellbeing' with a light blue and green cover.

Download the Emotional Health & Wellbeing guide, or get in touch

Closing The Gap FAQ’s

  • No. You can self-refer or ask someone like a teacher, social worker or youth worker to contact us on your behalf.

  • This offer is specifically for young people living in or connected to Rochdale and the surrounding areas.

    We have other Emotional Health and Wellbeing services in other towns and cities. If you are unsure, start a referral, and you will be guided to the correct service for your area.

  • Yes. We respect your privacy and only share information if we’re concerned about your safety or someone else’s. We’ll always aim to speak with you first.

  • It depends on your needs. Some young people work with us for the short term; others stay connected longer. You’ll decide together with your worker.

  • Yes. We take a whole-life approach, helping you navigate housing, money, education, relationships, and substance use as well as emotional wellbeing.

  • 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.