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Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Safe Zones Crisis Support
in Rochdale & Bury

Emotional Support When It’s Needed Most

A safe space for young people in Bury & Rochdale

When a young person is experiencing an emotional crisis or struggling to cope, having someone to talk to in a calm, supportive environment can make all the difference. That’s where Safe Zones comes in.

We understand that crisis looks different for everyone. That’s why we meet each young person where they feel most comfortable, in school, at home, in the community, or at one of our partner spaces.

Our practitioners take a person-centred approach, helping young people explore their emotions, build resilience, and work toward their own goals in a space that’s private, respectful, and led by their voice.

Safe Zones isn’t about labels or long waits, it’s about early, flexible support at the right moment.

Who is Safe Zones for?

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:

  • Person-centred 1-to-1 sessions (up to 6) tailored to the young person’s goals

  • Flexible locations: community spaces, home, school—where they feel most comfortable

  • De-escalation of crisis through empathy, voice, and choice

  • A safe space where emotional wellbeing comes first

Referral sources include:

  • CAMHS & extended NHS mental health services

  • Accident & Emergency and liaison teams

  • NHS 111 and 24/7 mental health helplines

  • GMAIC (Greater Manchester Assessment & In-reach Centre)

  • Paediatric wards

  • Adult NHS mental health for 16–17 year-olds

Early Break practitioners work alongside crisis teams to bridge intense support with longer-term wellbeing planning.

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
Book titled 'Early Break: Emotional Health & Wellbeing, Safe Zones for Rochdale & Bury' with a blue and green geometric design.

Download the Safe Zones guide, or get in touch

Safe Zones FAQ’s

  • Young people aged 5–18 in Bury or Rochdale experiencing an emotional crisis and needing safe, private support.

  • Up to 6 x 1-to-1 sessions, tailored to the young person’s specific needs.

  • In places chosen by the young person, such as school, home, community venues, or Early Break offices.

  • CAMHS, A&E liaison, NHS 111, paediatric/adult mental health teams, GMAIC, and any professional in a crisis pathway.

    Visit the NHS - Pennine Care website for more information.

  • We work with professionals to ensure safe next steps, whether via CAMHS, Early Break wellbeing teams, or ongoing community support.

  • Absolutely. Sessions are private and focused on the young person’s needs. We only share information as necessary for safety or safeguarding purposes.

  • 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.