Claire Worthington

Claire Worthington runs a digital training and web development business called the Village Web Company. She is also one of the team that manages SPACE, a resource for the group ‘Stockport Parents of ADHD Children in Education’.

Claire was brought up by a white foster family in the suburbs of South Manchester. After leaving school she did initial training as a car mechanic, before becoming a cadet for the Royal Mail, where she worked for 17 years. Claire rose through the ranks of the organisation whilst juggling parental responsibilities. After one of her 4 daughters was diagnosed with ADHD, she took voluntary redundancy in an attempt to reduce her working hours. She opened a children’s clothing and gift shop which struggled in the wake of the 2008 recession. As a result of spending time developing her business website, Claire discovered a passion for computer science and eventually completed a degree in the subject before setting up her own tech company. Claire is now involved in initiatives to encourage more Black women into the profession. In this interview, Claire reflects on her youth and upbringing, as well as her varied experiences of work. She considers her role as a parent and how the family has dealt with her daughter’s diagnosis. Claire also discusses the recent impact of the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, plus the importance of self-acceptance and supportive networks.