The Manu Centre Ethos
Our ethos is about helping people to help themselves in creating and maintaining their own health and well-being.
History of the Manu Centre
The Manu Centre was founded by Vicki Palmer in September 2004.
It was set up to provide psychological therapies, physical healing therapies and meditation practices, using different approaches to suit different people with different needs at different times.
In 2025, Vicki made the decision to hand over ownership and management of the Manu Centre to her son, Mark West, and family friend, Tom Pepper. Vicki continues to have a steering and advisory role in the centre, continuing the legacy.
Vicki Palmer
Founder of the Manu Centre
Vicki is a senior accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Supervisor.
Having studied Medicine and Nursing prior to her counselling training, Vicki has always had a keen interest in the link between physical and mental health. This then broadened to an understanding of whole person wellbeing to include social and spiritual health.
Her research into health outcomes for communities with fewer life opportunities developed a passion for equal access to talking therapies, irrespective of income.
With this goal in mind she founded Oasis-Talking Therapies CIC (Community interest Company) which delivered free psychological therapies through NHS IAPT (Improving access to Talking Therapies) in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and through grant funded therapy for 9 years. Her practice is now solely focussed at the Manu Centre.
Vicki now enjoys an advisory role, helping the Manu Centre to adapt and flourish under it’s new stewardship.
Mark West is an accredited business coach who moved into life coaching for business entrepreneurs. He developed a keen interest in the deeper well-being and meaning that could be found in the place of work, creating synergy with our lives and work. He has written about the boundaries between mentoring, coaching and counselling.
He became a joint owner of the Manu Centre, interested in furthering the legacy of the centre for the community in an endeavour that seeks to balance mind, body and heart.
Mark West
Co-owner of the Manu Centre
Tom grew up in Bradford on Avon and first discovered the Manu Centre as a client, where he immediately connected with the space and everything it offered. After graduating with a BSc in Psychology, Tom’s path took a few twists and turns - running his own e-commerce business for many years before spending some time in the building trade. Now, he brings that same drive and dedication to supporting the Manu Centre, honouring the care and energy that Vicki has instilled, and nurturing the community that makes the Manu Centre so special.
Outside of work, Tom is passionate about healthy living. He enjoys staying active through CrossFit and running, and follows a vegan lifestyle.
Tom Pepper
Co-owner of the Manu Centre
