How Early Break’s Housing First Model Is Changing Lives
What if your first step to recovery wasn’t proving you were ready, but simply being offered a safe place to live? At Early Break, we believe housing is a right, not a reward.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Housing First movement, offering young people in Bury, Bolton and Rochdale not just a roof over their heads but a real foundation for change.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what Housing First actually means, how it works differently from other housing models, and how Early Break supports young people through this evidence-based approach.
What Is Housing First?
Why It’s Different From Other Models
Housing First is more than just a policy, it’s a radical reimagining of how to support people facing homelessness.
Traditional models often require you to meet strict conditions first: engage with treatment, prove abstinence, or move through multiple stages of temporary housing. Housing First flips that.
With Housing First:
You’re offered stable accommodation first
Support is built around you, your goals, your pace
There are no preconditions, no need to prove you're "ready"
It’s about meeting people where they are and recognising that a safe home is the starting point, not the reward at the end.
Why Housing First Matters for Young People
Challenges Faced by Young People
For many young people, life is already complicated. Add homelessness, trauma, and mental health challenges, and traditional services can feel impossible to access.
Young people aged 16–25 often:
“Sofa surf” between friends' homes
Face eviction due to relationship breakdowns
Struggle with substance use, anxiety, or past trauma
Mistrust formal systems due to past experiences
This is where Housing First makes the difference. It’s not about ticking boxes or being judged, it’s about starting from a place of safety and building trust from there.
Early Break’s Role in Housing First
Supporting Young People in Bury, Bolton & Rochdale
As part of the Greater Manchester Housing First partnership with Petrus and The Bond Board, Early Break provides wraparound support to young people in Bury, Bolton and Rochdale.
What makes our approach unique?
Trauma-informed care tailored for young people
Specialist youth workers who understand complex lives
Flexible, person-centred support that adapts as you grow
We don’t just help you maintain your tenancy, we help you rebuild confidence, routines, relationships and hope.
No Preconditions, Just Support
What “Housing First” Really Means
At Early Break, when we say “no preconditions,” we mean it.
You don’t need to stop using substances. You don’t need to have a job. You don’t need to prove anything, just a willingness to engage and maintain your tenancy.
This approach:
Respects your autonomy
Reduces shame and stigma
Builds trust through consistency and care
It's about walking alongside you, not dragging you towards a goal someone else set.
What Support Do You Actually Get?
One-to-One Help
You’ll have a dedicated worker who takes time to understand your goals, not just about housing, but your whole life.
Mental Health & Substance Use
We support you with:
Emotional wellbeing and trauma recovery
Harm-reduction strategies
Navigating services like CAMHS, SafeZones or R.I.S.E
Life Skills, Goals & More
Support might include:
Budgeting, shopping, cooking
Getting into college, training, or work
Rebuilding family connections or friendships
This isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s built around what you need.
Real Stories, Real Change
Taylor’s Journey From Crisis to Stability
When 19-year-old “Taylor” came to Early Break, they were sleeping on a friend’s floor, struggling with anxiety and struggling to focus on anything beyond survival.
“It felt like someone finally saw me as a person, not a problem.”
We supported Taylor in securing their own flat through Housing First. At first, just having a place to lock the door and feel safe was life-changing. Over time, Taylor started engaging in weekly wellbeing sessions, learned how to cook simple meals, and is now applying for a college course in health and social care.
Can I Access This Support?
Who It’s For and How to Get Started
Early Break’s Housing First support is for young people aged 18–25 in Bury, Bolton and Rochdale who:
Are at risk of or experiencing homelessness
Face multiple challenges (like mental health issues or substance use)
Want to maintain their own tenancy with ongoing support
To explore whether this could be right for you, get in touch with Early Break or ask a professional (like a social worker, GP, or support worker) to refer you.
Get in touch using our online message form or call us directly.
Working Together to End Youth Homelessness
Our Commitment to Change
We know that homelessness is complex, and young people deserve more than a temporary fix.
Through our work with the Greater Manchester Housing First partnership, we’re committed to long-term solutions that centre compassion, trust, and dignity.
By listening to young people, challenging outdated systems, and providing real, practical support, we’re helping build futures, one home at a time.
If you're a young person struggling with housing or you support someone who is, Housing First could be the start of something better.
You don’t need to be ready.
You need to know that you’re not alone!
Frequently Asked Questions about Housing First
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No. Housing First does not require you to be abstinent. Support is non-judgemental and focused on harm reduction and your own goals.
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That’s OK. Housing First is designed for people who’ve struggled to access or sustain housing through traditional routes.
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Yes. You can bring someone you trust or ask your Early Break worker to support you in attending appointments or meetings.
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No. While care leavers can absolutely access the service, it’s open to any young person in the area who meets the eligibility criteria.
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We work with you, not against you. If something goes wrong, we don’t remove support — we help you get back on track.
