Young people who have left care are helping shape improvements to housing support in Gloucestershire.
Their experiences were shared at Gloucestershire County Council’s Care Leavers’ Housing Summit, held at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester on Monday 18 May.
The event brought together the county council, district councils, housing providers and Government representatives from the Department for Education and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Discussions focused on improving outcomes for care leavers as they move towards independent living.
Partners considered joint protocols covering accommodation for care leavers in Gloucestershire and support for 16 and 17-year-olds who are homeless.
Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care, said hearing directly from care leavers was one of the most important parts of the summit.
He said their experiences were invaluable in showing where support could be improved, adding that the council wants to make sure there are no gaps.
The council says it will continue working with partners to strengthen housing pathways and provide greater stability for young people leaving care.