# Early Break
> Specialist substance use support and advocacy for young people and families across Greater Manchester and Lancashire
Early Break is a registered charity providing trauma-informed, confidential support for children, young people and families facing challenges related to substance use and emotional wellbeing. With over 30 years of experience, we deliver person-centred interventions including one-to-one advocacy, whole-family programmes, mental health support, and homelessness prevention services across Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Manchester, Trafford and Lancashire.
Key services and benefits:
- Substance use advocacy for young people with drug or alcohol-related needs
- Holding Families Programme supporting families affected by parental substance use
- Emotional health and wellbeing services including counselling and group work
- Housing First and Pathfinder programmes preventing youth homelessness
- Trauma-responsive approaches co-designed with young people
- Accessible support delivered in schools, homes, community spaces or online
- Confidential services without judgement for ages 5-25 (up to 25 with additional needs)
## Services
- [Advocacy](https://earlybreak.co.uk/substance-misuse-advocacy): Confidential, person-centred support for young people with drug or alcohol-related needs, offering short and long-term interventions tailored to individual goals
- [Holding Families Programme](https://earlybreak.co.uk/holding-families-substance-misuse-support): Comprehensive support for families affected by parental substance use, creating space for children's voices and empowering positive family change
- [Holding Families Plus](https://earlybreak.co.uk/holding-families-plus): Extended support for families with parents in criminal justice settings
- [Emotional Health & Wellbeing](https://earlybreak.co.uk/emotional-health-and-wellbeing): Mindfulness sessions, counselling, wellbeing groups and family support delivered in accessible community settings
- [RISE Drop-in](https://earlybreak.co.uk/rise-face-to-face-bury): Physical drop-in service for 5-17 year olds in Bury navigating anxiety, low mood and emotional regulation challenges
- [Cared for Children (C4C)](https://earlybreak.co.uk/cared-for-children): Emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 5-21 in Oldham's care system
- [Community Outreach](https://earlybreak.co.uk/community-outreach): Supporting young people in parks, youth clubs, schools, events and local neighbourhoods with trusted advice and service links
- [MYNO (Meeting Your Needs Oldham)](https://earlybreak.co.uk/sexual-health-oldham-myno): Confidential sexual health and substance use support for young people in Oldham
- [Housing First](https://earlybreak.co.uk/housing-first): Evidence-based approach providing stable housing without preconditions for young people with complex needs in Bury, Bolton and Rochdale
- [Pathfinder](https://earlybreak.co.uk/pathfinder): Early intervention preventing homelessness for 18-25 year olds in Rochdale and Oldham
- [Safe Zones](https://earlybreak.co.uk/safe-zones-bury-rochdale): Crisis support offering 5-7 tailored sessions for 5-18 year olds in Bury and Rochdale
- [VCSE Navigator](https://earlybreak.co.uk/vcse-navigator): Short-term support (5-8 sessions) for 5-18 year olds discharged from CAMHS
- [Local Support Groups](https://earlybreak.co.uk/local-support-groups): Safe, welcoming spaces focusing on emotional wellbeing, identity, recovery and peer support
- [Stressed Out Brain](https://earlybreak.co.uk/stressed-out-brain): Trauma-responsive approach co-produced by young people for working with young substance users
- [Thrive](https://earlybreak.co.uk/thrive-rochdale-support): Rochdale-based support programme
- [Complementary & Integrated Therapies](https://earlybreak.co.uk/complementary-integrated-therapies): Alternative therapeutic approaches to support wellbeing
## Resources
- [Training Courses](https://earlybreak.co.uk/training-courses): Evidence-informed CPD for professionals covering drug, alcohol, wellbeing and therapeutic support
- [Events & Training Schedule](https://earlybreak.co.uk/events): Upcoming professional training, drop-in sessions and community events
- [News & Updates](https://earlybreak.co.uk/news-updates): Latest insights, advocacy articles and charity updates
- [Support Groups](https://earlybreak.co.uk/local-support-groups): Information about peer support groups for young people
- [Special Projects](https://earlybreak.co.uk/special-projects): Innovative programmes addressing specific community needs
## Getting Started
- [Start a Referral](https://earlybreak.co.uk/referrals): Launch our referral system for young people or families needing support
- [Our Story](https://earlybreak.co.uk/who-are-early-break): Learn about Early Break's 30-year history and approach
- [Our Team](https://earlybreak.co.uk/early-break-team): Meet the professionals delivering our services
- [Work with Early Break](https://earlybreak.co.uk/work-with-early-break): Commission evidence-based services for your community
- [Make a Donation](https://earlybreak.co.uk/donate-to-early-break): Support life-changing work with young people and families
## Work with Us
- [Current Job Vacancies](https://earlybreak.co.uk/jobs): Explore careers making a real difference every day
- [Register for Job Notifications](https://earlybreak.co.uk/recruitment-mailing-list-sign-up): Get alerts about new opportunities
- [Commission Our Services](https://earlybreak.co.uk/work-with-early-break): Partner with Early Break to deliver evidence-based youth and family services
- [Fundraising & Donations](https://earlybreak.co.uk/fundraising-for-early-break): Get involved in supporting our work
## About Early Break
- [Charitable Objectives & Goals](https://earlybreak.co.uk/charitable-objectives-values): Our mission, values and strategic aims
- [Inclusivity Statement](https://earlybreak.co.uk/inclusivity-statement): Our commitment to accessible, non-judgemental support for all