My Place is a flat sharing project designed to support independent living for care-experienced young people in East Lothian. My Place is part funded by East Lothian Council and The Life Changes Trust, and launched in September 2019.
Why Flatshare?
Moving into a property on your own for the first time can be overwhelming and even isolating. Here are some reasons why you might find flat sharing is suited to you:
- Already living in your own tenancy but struggling to maintain it
- Feeling isolated in your own tenancy
- Would benefit from living with other young people
- Leaving foster or residential care and aren’t quite ready to live on your own
Renting a property you share with other people can help take the pressure off a little and help you feel part of the community. My place provides a great opportunity for you to experience independent living, at your own pace, in a safe, secure and stable environment. You’ll also get support from Rock Trust with managing your tenancy.
Who will I be sharing with?
In My Place tenancies, two care experienced young people share with one Peer Flatmate. A Peer Flatmate is typically a student from a nearby college or university who are already used to independent living. By sharing their experienced they can help you to live independently too.
They will help create a stable and positive living environment with a sense of home and belonging which contributes to building positive relationships.
They are not a support worker but will help by signposting you to agencies who can is support is required.
About your tenancy
As with all tenancies, you will sign a tenancy agreement with your landlord - in this case East Lothian Council. This sets out conditions you must adhere to maintain your tenancy. You can stay in the flatshare as long as it suits you. Rock Trust will provide everyone in the property with housing support. This might include help with budgeting, paying rent and electricity. The property will be fully furnished.
Your responsibilities include:
- Paying your rent
- Electricity and gas bills will be shared by the three tenants
- Keeping the house clean and tidy
- Reporting any repairs or maintenance issues
By being part of it you will gain access to;
- £500 Personal Budget – to help you to settle into the community. For example, a bus pass, a gym pass etc. This budget sits with your social worker.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Weekly face-to-face support from The Rock Trust.
If you are interested in finding out if My Place might be an option for you, please contact your social worker.
Peer Flatmate
The Rock Trust are recruiting up to 10 students to support the My Place project.
The My Place project aims to reduce isolation which many young people face on leaving care and moving into their own tenancy. One student volunteer will flatshare with two care experienced young people. Each Peer Flatmate is given full training and weekly support by dedicated staff from The Rock Trust and East Lothian Council. Rent and Wi-Fi expenses covered. If you are interested in any upcoming opportunities, please contact the rock trust on admin@rocktrust.org or visit the Rock Trust website.