My Place is a peer flatmate programme run in partnership by Rock Trust and East Lothian Council. It gives young people aged 18-30 the chance to live alongside two young people in supported accommodation in Musselburgh, offering friendship, stability and around 15 hours of peer support a week.
It’s not a job, and it’s not a tenancy in the usual sense. It’s a genuine, mutual living arrangement: you get a stable, low-cost home, and the young people you live with get someone their own age alongside them as they build their independence.
What being a Peer Flatmate involves
As a Peer Flatmate, you’ll share a flat with two young people who’ve experienced, or been at risk of, homelessness. Your role isn’t to fix things or take charge, but simply to be a steady, positive presence. That might mean:
- Sharing a coffee and a chat on your way out the door
- Cooking a meal together or helping plan a shared activity
- Offering encouragement as they take steps towards college, work or volunteering
- Helping keep shared spaces feel like home, not just a place to stay
Every flatmate is different, and every relationship looks different too. What matters most is showing up, being present, and helping create a space where everyone feels safe, respected and heard.
“Being a supportive flatmate is about helping to create more than just a place to live. It is about making the space feel like home, a place where everyone feels safe, respected and listened to.” Tatanya, Peer Flatmate
What you’ll get in return
- Full training before you move in, and ongoing weekly support from dedicated Rock Trust and East Lothian Council staff
- Rent and Wi-Fi covered
- A small fortnightly contribution towards gas and electricity (around £20)
- The experience of making a genuine, lasting difference to a young person’s life
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for committed, motivated people aged 18-30 who can offer around 15 hours of peer support a week and are happy to live in Musselburgh, East Lothian. You don’t need any special qualifications – just patience, warmth, and a genuine interest in helping someone else find their feet.
Ready to find out more?
If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Flatmate, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or begin your application in our volunteering portal.
If this opportunity doesn’t sound right for you, you can visit our volunteering page to find out what other volunteering opportunities are currently available.
Being a supportive flatmate is a great opportunity to help young people. It is about showing up, being present and helping to provide a space where they feel comfortable, valued and at home.
Tatanya, Peer Flatmate
