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Young people leaving care need affordable accommodation that offers them additional support, a group of young care leavers told a conference for housing association heads last week.

Speaking at the National Housing Federation's conference for chief executives, Solihull Council 16-plus team service user Brian Cuff said young care leavers were expected to find somewhere to live and maintain their tenancies at a much earlier age than their peers.

He told delegates: "There is a need for a greater level of support, on both a practical and emotional level, as part of new tenancies, which may be written into service agreements as part of an extended care package."

Kerry Higgs, another 16-plus team service user, added that young care leavers were often housed in unsuitable accommodation.

"There needs to be a larger supply of more affordable housing," she said. "We don't want to be in short or long-term hostels, in areas that are frequented by drug dealers or placed in rundown areas where no one else wants to live."

Wendy Camden, a Coventry university social work student on a placement with the 16-plus team, said a multi-agency approach to the issue was essential.

She said: "[There is a] need for more joined-up working between the relevant agencies that impact on, and affect the outcomes for, these young people."

Higgs also urged housing providers to co-operate with social services to develop strategies to help smooth the transition between leaving care and independent living for young people.