A FLINTSHIRE woman who underwent a breakdown that forced her to quit her job is launching a business to support others.

Hannah Taylor, from Flint, quit her £50,000 a year managerial position suddenly due to chronic stress that led to a mental health breakdown.

She said: “A year before the breakdown I would have laughed in your face if someone suggested it would happen - I genuinely didn’t see it coming.

“I went from feeling normal to not being able to do anything – I literally fell apart. But it was only when I went to the doctors with what I thought was a trapped nerve that I was told I was suffering from chronic stress.

“I was immediately signed off work and was supported by Mind - not long after I quit – I absolutely loved my job and all the staff, I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

She added her breakdown was due to life pressures and a feeling guilt being a working parent.

The Leader:

Hannah Taylor

But now, with Hannah having received the support she needed, she is launching a community business that will provide support for people dealing with the everyday stresses of running small businesses.

The 38-year-old mum of two wants to use her business and accountancy experience to act as a support network for people to tap into – be it with promoting their business online with online and classroom training, or virtual assistance with everyday tasks, allowing people to focus on growing their business.

Hannah has spoken how social media played a key part in the break down, and now she hopes to use it as a positive.

“When you’re suffering and your scrolling through social media, seeing people portraying what appears to be perfect lives - it’s one of the worst things you can do.

“Therefore I want my business to use social media as a positive - because there are so many positive ways it can be used.”

Hannah said: “Following my experiences I would like to help others in my new business venture which is looking to empower and support people to achieve a work life balance whilst investing back into our community.

“People’s stress may be linked to the running of their business, for which I can lend a hand for.

“So if people with small businesses need help with online stuff - with today’s world being so digitalised, for instance, that’s what I can help with. It’s not a mental health drop in centre but there will be sofas and a cup of tea available if it all gets too much for people and they just need some support.”

It is hoped the business, named Ipal (Independent, people and learning), will launch during Mental Health Awareness Month in October.