Supporting Young People Leaving Care: How The Path to Independence Is Making a Difference

Gaining life skills to leave foster care

Founded by Dougie Stringer - himself care-experienced and a former social worker - The Path to Independence is built with empathy and first-hand insight. The platform provides a supportive, user-friendly space where young people can learn vital life skills such as budgeting, cooking, tenancy rights, and managing their mental wellbeing. It’s more than just an app; it’s a digital stepping stone to independence.

As Dougie puts it, “Young people leaving care often don’t have the same safety nets as others. We want them to feel seen, heard and capable of building a strong, secure future.”

Young people leaving care often don’t have the same safety nets as others. We want them to feel seen, heard and capable of building a strong, secure future.

When lived experience meets innovation

The Path to Independence offers a valuable resource to complement the care and preparation we already provide. It reinforces our shared mission: helping young people build confidence, resilience and real-world readiness. 

Whether you're a foster carer, social worker, or a young person in care, platforms like The Path to Independence show what's possible when lived experience meets innovation. It’s a reminder that while fostering may sometimes be a temporary home, the support and skills we offer can have a lifelong impact.

Helping young people transition into adulthood with dignity and direction is at the heart of what we do. The Path to Independence helps to provide some of the tools with access local know how and services, so that young people don't have to do it alone.