The story behind The Heeler Centre
How a small piece of woodland became a well known wellbeing clinic in Hassocks...
In around 1990, Paul Heeler purchased a small piece of woodland beside the railway station in Hassocks, West Sussex. At the time, there was no clear plan. It was simply a plot bought at auction, full of potential but without a fixed direction.
That piece of land would later become The Heeler Centre, now an established multidisciplinary wellbeing clinic serving Hassocks, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.
The only historic photograph Paul still has is of the original Bridge House, complete with its green signboard and porch. The building was never designed to be a clinic. It consisted of two flats.
The downstairs flat would eventually become the first osteopathy clinic.
From civil engineer to osteopath
Before becoming an osteopath, Paul worked as a civil engineer and was involved in building work and property development. In the early 1990s, the construction industry slowed significantly, giving him time to reconsider his direction. The inspiration to retrain came from personal experience.
In his twenties, while playing rugby, Paul occasionally needed treatment for injuries. He was consistently impressed by how an osteopath could assess his body, make precise adjustments and restore movement effectively. That experience stayed with him.
When work in construction reduced, he decided to retrain. Paul Heeler, founder of The Heeler Centre and a practising osteopath in Hassocks, chose a new professional path that would shape the local wellbeing landscape for decades to come.
The birth of The Heeler Centre
Once qualified as an osteopath, Paul realised he already had the foundation of a clinic. He owned the building from his development days, and converting the downstairs flat into treatment rooms was a natural progression.
As for the name, it was suggested by friends: “You should call it The Heeler Centre. You already have the name.”
Paul admits he found the idea slightly uncomfortable at first, but the name stayed. Over time it became recognised and respected, earning an excellent reputation in Hassocks and across West Sussex.
Since opening in the early 1990s, The Heeler Centre has supported the local community for over thirty years. It stands as a testament to the wellbeing space Paul created.
The early days
In the beginning there were just two treatment rooms:
- One for Paul as an osteopath
- One for Jo Turns, the chiropodist, who still works at The Heeler Centre today
Another room was initially empty until an additional therapist joined the clinic. Gradually the centre expanded.
The reception space that now features wooden panelling to soften acoustics was once the original reception area. Over time, careful improvements were made to create a calm and professional environment.
A multidisciplinary clinic in the heart of Hassocks
What makes The Heeler Centre distinctive is the diversity of therapists working under one roof and the longevity of many of those practitioners.
It was the first multidisciplinary clinic in the area and the first clinic in Sussex to have a website.
Today, Paul continues to practise as an osteopath at The Heeler Centre alongside a team of therapists offering services including osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and other specialist treatments.
This breadth of expertise allows patients to access coordinated care in one established location. Therapists collaborate when appropriate, discuss cases professionally and refer internally if it benefits the individual.
Practical considerations also matter. On site parking in Hassocks makes attending regular appointments easier, particularly for those travelling from surrounding towns in East and West Sussex.
The centre is also directly beside Hassocks railway station, adjacent to Platform 3. Hassocks is served by Southern Rail services running between the south coast and London. This accessibility is especially helpful for patients who travel from further afield to seek treatment. Some individuals even travel from Europe to see Paul for specialist osteopathic care.
A philosophy of shared recovery
Over the years, Paul has observed a common misunderstanding about pain and recovery.
Some people expect treatment to remove pain without any involvement from them. In reality, lasting recovery is often a shared process.
Skilled hands on treatment can guide improvement, but engagement from the patient is equally important. Exercises, pacing, posture awareness and lifestyle adjustments all contribute to better outcomes.
The Heeler Centre has always supported this collaborative approach to wellbeing.
A place rooted in the community
There has not been one defining moment that confirmed this was the right path for Paul. Instead there have been many small affirmations over the years including:
- thank you letters
- kind emails
- occasional chocolates or flowers left at reception
- words of appreciation from patients who value having this type of clinic in their village of Hassocks
Some patients have shared that their lives changed after living with pain or discomfort for many years.
The centre continues to receive positive Google reviews, reflecting the experience and care provided by every therapist who works within it.
One comment Paul hears frequently is:
“We are lucky to have this in Hassocks. We hope you are always here.”
After more than three decades, The Heeler Centre remains part of the fabric of the community. A steady presence beside the railway station, serving individuals and families across East Sussex and West Sussex.
The Heeler Centre today
From a woodland purchase in 1990 to a respected clinic in West Sussex, The Heeler Centre has grown thoughtfully and steadily. It remains:
- led by its founder
- rooted in the local community
- clinically diverse
- well known and trusted in Hassocks and beyond
Patients travel from across Sussex and further afield to attend the clinic, drawn by its reputation and long standing presence.
Healthcare evolves. Communities change. Yet some places endure because they are built on reputation, relationships and a genuine commitment to helping people feel better.