About us:

The Path to Independence is led by Dougie Stringer, who founded the company with a personal mission to help young people transition successfully out of care.

Drawing from his own experiences growing up in foster care, Dougie has firsthand knowledge of the challenges care leavers face. With over a decade of experience in working in a care leavers service as a personal advisor and social worker and a background in residential care, he developed The Path to Independence App to support young people to thrive when reaching adulthood.

The team includes Tom, a seasoned IT expert with nine years of experience, who brings technical leadership and project management skills to the table.

Jane, with 35 years of experience in children’s social care, has held senior management roles and worked directly with young people in foster care, while also developing innovative strategies to support vulnerable children.

Additionally, the technical development is powered by the founder of Pixebyte, with over two decades of experience building apps and enterprise-grade services. This diverse and experienced team brings together care, technical expertise, and leadership to make a meaningful impact.

Mission Statement

At The Path to Independence, we are transforming the journey for young people transitioning out of care. No longer defined by feelings of solitude or uncertainty, they now face the challenges of independent living with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Through our innovative tools, engaging videos, and interactive learning modules, we provide comprehensive guidance on key aspects of adulthood- managing finances, housing, health, careers, and more.

By fostering a supportive community and sharing the successes of others who have walked a similar path, we inspire young people to embrace their experiences as a source of strength. Together, we empower them to turn adversity into opportunity, ensuring they thrive as they step into adulthood and beyond.

Together we can make a real difference.