Special Projects
Housing First
in Rochdale and Bury
Are you aged 18 or over and worried about losing your home in Rochdale and Bury?
Housing First, delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Housing First (GMHF), offers direct access to a stable home, with no preconditions, alongside consistent, personalised support from Early Break.
We believe housing is the foundation for a better life. If you're at risk due to financial struggles, family stress, eviction, or unsuitable housing, we’re here to help before things worsen.
“It felt like someone finally saw me as a person, not a problem.”
Housing First redefines how we support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
What is Housing First in Greater Manchester?
Rather than temporary solutions, you get immediate, permanent housing and sustained, holistic support.
Here’s how we support you:
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Housing and support are separate, and we will work with people regardless. Even if you lose your tenancy, our support will continue.
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We keep caseloads low so our key workers can build strong relationships and offer tailored support.
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Covering key areas such as:
Tenancy sustainment and landlord support
Budgeting, benefits, and debt guidance
Mental health & substance use support via partnerships (e.g. GMMH Dual Diagnosis Practitioner)
Engagement in training, education or community activities
Navigating appointments (GP, job centre, etc.)
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You drive your progress: decision-making, goal setting, and service enhancement are co-produced.
Your voice counts, from creating your plan to influencing local service design.
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90% of GMHF participants remain in their homes after 12–18 months, thanks to person-led, rights-based care.
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To access Housing First, you need to be referred into the service by your local authority, so the best place to start is the homelessness section of your local authority’s website.
We have listed all of the homelessness web pages of the local authorities below:
Start Housing First support today
Early Break is proud to be part of the Greater Manchester Housing First (GMHF) partnership.
Our Partnership with GM Housing First
A ground-breaking collaboration of housing providers, mental health specialists, community organisations, and peer-led support services working together to end homelessness across the region.
As a Zone B partner, we deliver specialist support for young people in Rochdale and Bury, embedded within a wider network of trusted organisations.
This partnership means:
We work with shared principles: choice, respect, rights, and long-term recovery
We are connected to a whole system of support, from housing to mental health to training pathways
We co-produce our services with those who use them, ensuring that lived experience leads the way
Together, we’re transforming the response to homelessness in Greater Manchester, offering homes first, not conditions.
The Partnership in Numbers
Housing First FAQ’s
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Anyone aged 18-30 in Rochdale, Bury, or Bolton, at risk of homelessness.
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It doesn't remain secure regardless; if there are issues with your tenancy, you need to stay engaged so we can support you to manage this.
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No. Support continues for as long as you need it to sustain your tenancy and wellbeing.
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You’ll have access to specialist support through GMMH’s Dual Diagnosis Practitioner, along with an Early Break Support Worker.
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To access Housing First, you need to be referred into the service by your local authority, so the best place to start is the homelessness section of your local authority’s website.
We have listed all of the homelessness web pages of the local authorities below:
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Absolutely. This is a universal service regardless of gender identity, background, health status, or housing history.
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Participants shape their own plans, set personal goals, and help refine the program. Your feedback determines what we do.
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You can stay connected to Early Break in various ways listed below:
Join our mailing list (we send out the occasional updates (nothing spammy) directly to your inbox)
Follow our social media accounts
Read our blog
Take part in our research
Undergo our training courses
Donate to the wellbeing fund
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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 Housing First service.
