Outstanding Psychology student establishes a new business thanks to University support

Helle Hammonds recently graduated with a Master’s in Psychology from the University and has set up a new business focusing on psychological health and wellbeing with support from the University’s Venture programme which consists of a series of events, support and guidance to help students develop the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections to start their own business or pursue a freelance career.

Helle, 46, from Chester, has worked in health and wellbeing for 15 years running her own company. Always fascinated by Psychology, she decided to pursue a Master’s degree following the work she had already done around motivation and behavioural change.

She explained that she had taken several other courses previously such as training to be a coach but she wanted the level and understanding that came from achieving a Master’s degree.

Helle said: "My business is called CentraPath - we put wellbeing at the heart of both individual and organisational success. We offer training and coaching to prevent stress and burnout, build healthy workplace cultures, and equip people with evidence-based tools to thrive. I’ve lived through a severe burnout in 2019 and I wanted to find a way to help others avoid what I went through. It feels like I’m living that dream through the work I do.”

She began developing her new business after graduating in 2024 and, during that time, also became an Associate at Hayhurst & Co, acting as their Organisational Wellbeing Practitioner.

Helle added: “Venture was an amazing experience for me—I can’t speak highly enough of it, and it came at the perfect time. Amber and Kate, who run Venture, are literally the nicest, most supportive, and encouraging humans I’ve ever met. The programme and the resources they provide, both during and even after you finish, really set you up for success. And the guest experts they bring in are fantastic. They bring such a wealth of knowledge and experience and genuinely want to help. I am still in touch with several of them, who have been a great support to me – such as Hems de Winter, Chris Sharkey, Katy Carlisle and the team at Forresters.

“Also, my tutors on the course—especially Dr Michelle Tytherleigh, my supervisor—were brilliant. She let me do the project I wanted and guided me through areas I had little understanding of. I started university as an okay writer and left getting high distinction grades. The support from my tutors made such a difference. I felt like I could ask Dr Kevin Rodgers anything and not worry about it being a stupid question. He’s fun and inspiring and has continued to support me even after I finished.”

Helle added that the support and encouragement she received from the University helped her to achieve an outstanding grade. She said: “Towards the end of my degree, getting feedback on my work showing consistent high distinctions was a huge highlight. I could really feel the growth in my research and writing and I was proud of that. I ended up with an overall distinction and as a dyslexic person with ADHD, I was really proud of that achievement.

“Creating a business from the things I learned on my course, and through the support of Venture—the entrepreneurship programme - has had a massive impact. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that support. I also made some lifelong friends and we’ve continued to support each other.”

Amber Gaffoor, Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator at the University, said: “Helle joined the Venture Programme last year and immediately stood out, not just for her business idea, but for her incredible drive, honesty and transparency in sharing her journey. Despite having a busy schedule, she gave everything to developing her business, drawing deeply from her own experience of running a company and navigating burnout. Her motivation to make a real difference was clear as she pitched to our panel of judges at Venture Pitch 2024, where she was awarded a trademark consultancy prize from Forresters, a professional photography shoot, business coaching and a £500 Santander Award.

“It’s students like Helle who remind us why we do what we do. We’re incredibly lucky to welcome her back this year as both a speaker and judge at Venture Pitch 2025, to pass on her wisdom and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Dr Michelle Tytherleigh, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, said: “Without taking anything away from this wonderful achievement, I can honestly say I am not at all surprised by the successful pathway that Helle has carved out, and I know will continue to carve out, for herself and those around her. From the first day we met when Helle came to see me and explained her interest in carrying out a project based on positive psychology, her enthusiasm and passion filled the room. Sharing some of her experiences of burnout with me, as well as her own challenges along the way, I knew she was one of those special people who place others before herself, and lets others know that they really matter. 

“Helle shines understanding and knowing there is someone out there, both, willing and able to share it with others is the type of hope for the future that we really need more of today. She is also an advocate for positive psychology and how, once you recognise your strengths and find a place where you can use them, everyone can flourish, despite everything else.”