Work with Early Break

Work with us

A Trusted Partner in Young People’s Services

At Early Break, we’ve spent over 30 years building a strong reputation for compassionate, evidence-informed services that place the voice of young people and families at their core.

We are a trusted delivery partner to local authorities, NHS trusts, youth justice teams, schools, CAMHS, and community organisations across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Our work consistently meets (and often exceeds) local outcomes, safeguarding standards, and commissioning frameworks.

If you’re looking to commission a service that delivers meaningful, measurable impact, let’s talk.

“We’re here to offer more than just support; we work with young people and families to understand their challenges and take real steps toward positive change.”
— Gemma Philburn (Operations Director)

Why Work With Early Break?

✔ Award-winning services rooted in real-world experience

✔ Proven outcomes in emotional health, substance use & family support

✔ Experienced with multi-agency, co-commissioned, and partnership models

✔ Flexible delivery, in schools, the community, homes, online or blended

✔ Consistently rated as safe, effective and responsive by partners

✔ Committed to inclusion, innovation, and lived experience leadership

We are contract holders and named delivery partners in multiple borough-wide and regional frameworks, with robust quality assurance, governance, and reporting practices.

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What we deliver

You can commission Early Break to deliver or co-design services in the following areas:

    • Specialist young people’s substance use treatment

    • Education and early help programmes

    • Outreach, drop-ins and family engagement

    • NDTMS-compliant data and safeguarding systems

    • Preventative and early intervention support (ages 5–25)

    • School-based and community delivery

    • Trauma-informed, youth-led practice

    • Bespoke offers for transitions (e.g. Closing the Gap)

    • Holding Families & Holding Families+

    • Parenting support and advocacy

    • Domestic abuse, prison leaver, and hidden harm pathways

    • Integrated delivery with social care or criminal justice partners

    • Emotional regulation and recovery interventions

    • Delivered by qualified therapists

    • Integrated into wellbeing or treatment pathways

Impact & Evaluation

Our services are:

● Outcome-focused with clear KPIs

● Supported by secure, ethical data collection

● Regularly evaluated with the service user voice embedded

● Aligned with national frameworks (e.g. NDTMS, THRIVE, NHS Long Term Plan)

We produce detailed reports for all commissioned services and can work with you to meet custom data and outcome requirements.

Interested in Commissioning Early Break?

We’re open to:

  • Direct service delivery

  • Joint or co-commissioned partnerships

  • Pilots, research collaborations, or consultations

  • Training delivery or workforce development

Commissioning FAQ’s

  • Our head office is in Bury, but we deliver services across Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Trafford, Bolton, and Blackburn with Darwen.

    We work flexibly from local offices in these areas and also provide support in schools, community venues, safe spaces, and out in the field, wherever young people and families need us most.

  • Early Break offers a comprehensive range of specialist services to support young people and their families across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. 

    Our work covers mental health, substance use, emotional wellbeing, housing, family relationships, sexual health, and more.

    Depending on your needs and location, we offer both one-to-one and group-based support through the following services: 

    Each service is free, confidential, and tailored to the needs of the individual or family.

  • Yes. We co-deliver services within Achieve (substance misuse), community justice programmes, and with CAMHS, local safeguarding boards, and education trusts.

  • Absolutely. Our reporting tools are flexible and built to meet the needs of different commissioners, whether for strategic planning or outcome evaluation.

  • All staff are enhanced DBS checked, fully trained, and supported through regular supervision and CPD.

  • Yes. We are happy to support pathway development, conduct service reviews, or co-produce new delivery models with partners.

  • 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.