A Richmond mum has turned years of personal and health struggles into a business that now supports more than 50 clients across the UK.

Back in 2019, Anna Bunch set out to create a business that would allow her to earn an income while still being present for her young daughter.

What began as a leap of faith has now grown into Psych VA, a virtual assistant company with a 20-strong team and an expected annual turnover of £190,000, up 33% year on year.

But Bunch's journey to success has been far from straightforward. In her early 20s, Bunch was diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) and told by doctors that she may never be able to continue in office work.

At times, even everyday tasks such as brushing her hair or squeezing toothpaste were difficult.

"It felt like I had no future," she admitted. "But thanks to the government's Access to Work scheme, I was able to carry on working with special equipment and software. It gave me my independence back."

Life threw further challenges her way. Divorce, redundancy, and crippling anxiety left her rebuilding her life several times.

Later diagnosed with ADHD, she often felt misunderstood at work and struggled with low self-esteem.

In 2016 Bunch became a mum, but while on maternity leave her company went into liquidation.

To make ends meet, she began cleaning, quickly growing a team and winning commercial contracts. But the physical demands soon aggravated her RSI.

Bunch's company helps over 50 clients across the country (credit: Psych VA).

A breakthrough came when she discovered myofascial release massage, which gave her pain relief after 20 years of suffering.

Then in 2018, she found a new path in working as a Virtual Assistant (VA).

Bunch said: "I realised I could use my management and office skills, work flexibly from home, and still be there for my daughter. It was the perfect fit."

Launching Psych VA in 2019, Bunch's services quickly grew through word of mouth. When the pandemic hit, demand for virtual assistants soared, and she began building a team.

Psych VA review client systems, implement practice management software, and even provide clinical continuity plans and legal templates, making them a one-stop shop for psychologists, therapists and wellness professionals.

One client praised the service saying: "Anna and her team are amazing and very efficient.

"They save me so much time with the admin side of the business and I can use it for clinical work."

Bunch's success has been recognised nationally, with with Psych VA being named a semi-finalist in the UK VA Awards 2025, with winners to be announced next month.

The Richmond mum added: "What started as a way to survive has grown into something that supports not just me and my daughter, but so many other parents and professionals. I'm proud of how far we've come – and I'm excited for what's next."

To find out more about Psych VA click here.

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