Member Directory

The David Ellis Charity

Charity Number: 1192363

The David Ellis Charity is proud to be an armed forces-friendly organisation whose purpose is to support armed forces veterans, their families, and those visiting Dorset. This includes supporting serving armed forces personnel and families living in and working in Dorset.

The David Ellis Charity provides:

• The advancement of health and the improvement of lives through free recreation, leisure, social welfare activities, education and training.
• Facilities for recreation and leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare to improve the condition of life, by providing a fulfilling, calming and safe environment, where peer-to-peer support and self-dependency are encouraged.
• The relief of veterans in need because of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage by providing advice, grants and provision of items to encourage self-dependency in partnership with veterans and their families who live in Dorset.

The David Ellis Charity is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and, by pledging support to the Dorset armed forces community, demonstrates an enduring commitment to those who proudly protect the nation.

Contact Information

http://thedavidellischarity.com/
admin@thedavidellischarity.com
13 Earl Close
Dorchester
DT1 1DY

Support Offered

The David Ellis Charity delivers an established programme of free fitness classes and other health and wellbeing activities funded by grant awards, fundraising, and sponsorship at venues in Dorset. Exercise fitness and Pilates instructors are all CIMSPA-registered qualified fitness professionals, who tailor exercise classes to meet the needs of a range of physical challenges.

Once a month, walk leaders lead a group walk and a chat in the beautiful Dorset countryside at a variety of well-established town and countryside walk routes. Licensed Archery GB instructors can help veterans and families new to archery learn and enjoy the sport. As well as being a rewarding physical activity, archery can also help boost mental wellbeing.

A weekly veterans and families drop-in session provides veterans and families with free refreshments and the opportunity to chat with others who might have similar experiences. Veterans and families can relax and enjoy a chat amongst friends with free on-site parking and wheelchair access.

Qualified first aid instructors provide training and a recognised H&S qualification to support the employment of veterans, military spouses/partners, and their families, including cadet instructors and volunteers. Funding can also be provided for short vocational courses that enhance employability and facilitate a smooth transition into civilian life for veterans and their families.

Regular volunteer opportunities are offered at local venues and events to boost confidence, enhance CVs and job applications that can improve career options for the Dorset armed forces community. Volunteering also provides a good opportunity for peer-to-peer support and to build self-dependency.

The Gwennili Trust

Charity Number: 1049041
Company Number: 3091887

Provision of offshore sailing to disabled Ex Service Personnel and their dependants and disabled other people of all ages and disabilities.

Contact Information

http://www.gwennili.org.uk
admin@gwennili.org.uk
Wingham House
Winchester Road
Bishop's Waltham
SO32 1BZ

Support Offered

Offshore Sailing
Day Sailing
Cruises varying in length between 2 and 10 days
RYA Practical Courses
Races

The ICARUS Charity

Scottish Charity Number: SC049263

ICARUS is a veteran-led mental health treatment charity. We provide therapy, counselling and help for the range of difficulties and problems which often evolve from trauma, PTSD or other commonly related conditions, such as anger-management, excessive alcohol use and drug abuse. We are open to all the uniformed services, whether in the Army, Navy or the Air Force.
Treatment for veterans is FREE of charge, regardless of rank, unit, service record or age. We also treat serving personnel.

Contact Information

http://www.icaruscharity.org
hello@icaruscharity.org
Third Floor
3 Hill Street
New Town,Edinburgh
EH2 3JP
0333 987 5055

Support Offered

At ICARUS we have developed a flexible and sympathetic treatment model which recognises the unique nature of military service and the military mindset and explored and adopted new concepts and treatment protocols, working on the basis that no ‘one size fits all’. Effective treatment has to be tailored to the individual and their personal circumstances. Reintegration back into civilian life often causes additional complications along with employment issues and drug and alcohol abuse. Even managing practical matters can impact on a veteran’s mental health. We try to offer veterans as much support and time as they require, to enable them to lead normal, well-adjusted lives.

All calls and enquiries are conducted in complete privacy. We understand the immediacy. You will be contacted and seen within 24 hours. All our sessions are online, using applications such as Zoom or Skype. Virtual treatment allows us to be more flexible with times and availability.

The majority of our team at ICARUS are connected to the armed forces – veterans themselves, married to veterans or closely associated with serving personnel. This veteran-to-veteran approach has been absolutely integral to the success of the charity, allowing an immediate understanding of the problems being faced, providing reassurance and support. Shared personal experience is a critical factor in dealing with the major crises that affect many of our veterans.

The Ulysses Trust

Charity Number: 1170600

The Trust provides funding assistance to challenging expeditions and adventurous activities involving members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces of the UK, in order to develop character and values such as teamwork, leadership, courage and resilience, supporting individual’s physical/mental health and wellbeing, as well as supporting retention and recruitment to cadet and reserve forces, plus wider benefits to our communities and society at large (eg increased academic attainment, reduced crime etc..).

Contact Information

http://www.ulyssestrust.co.uk
Honsec@ulyssestrust.co.uk
c/o David Evans & Co Ltd
Stowegate House
37 Lombard Street,Lichfield
WS13 6DP
0300 102 1992

Support Offered

Founded in 1992, the charity has raised over £3.5M to support over 40,000 individuals to participate in over 3,000 expeditions in the UK and abroad – from cadet Adventure Training and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, to sailing, canoeing and hiking expeditions – to climbing Everest and crossing the Antarctic.
Applications that meet our charitable objectives are assessed by experienced Adventure Training and Expeditions experts, who understand the nature of challenge and adventure (which may vary depending on the participants). We support applications from all cadet and reserve forces, but grants are more generous to expeditions where there are a high number of people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, where the need is greatest, and the impact and social value is maximised.

The Veterans Contact Point

Charity Number: 1155953

Our Vision:
To be there for those who have served in any of the UK Armed Forces (Veterans) for one day’s service or more, their families and dependents, who experience adverse issues and conditions, discrimination, or disadvantage during transition from military service, through resettlement, and in civilian life.
Our Mission Statement:
To help all serving members and veterans of the UK Armed Forces , their spouses, children, and dependents by working in partnership with others to assist in the provision of schemes, grants, and services for their resettlement, rehabilitation, retraining, employment , and welfare.
Our Values:
The Veterans Contact Point values its effective partnership working, demonstrating a non – judgemental diverse approach, challenging inequality and discrimination, by offering a professional, ethical, and accessible quality service to serving members and veterans of the UK Armed Forces, their families and dependents, empowering and aiding them to improve their lives and well-being within the community

The Veterans Contact Point (VCP) is a local military charity supporting veterans and their families in Warwickshire, Coventry & Solihull. The VCP started as a Veteran to Veteran run information, referral and peer support centre in 2011 to improve the access to support and information for serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces.

In February 2014 the VCP became a registered as military charity (Charity no: 1155953). It remains a veteran run organisation staffed totally by volunteers, including those who have served themselves, and who are committed to helping the local Armed Forces Community. The VCP offers an office base for partners and organisations who provide additional support, these include: SSAFA Warwickshire & Coventry; Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust – Ex-Armed Armed Forces Mental Health; Veterans UK; Citizens Advice Bureau; Warrior Programme; Coventry Solihull & Warwickshire AFCC; The Parachute Regimental Associations; Ubique Partnerships Limited and many more.

We ensure that every penny donated or raised is used in direct support of local Veterans and their families in the community. We provide information, advice and referrals to a wide range of specialist organisations and service charities. We also help veterans who have been in contact with the law through our Criminal Justice Partnership’s, providing a referral and information helpline service (telephone: 02476 348227).

We are open Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00 hours. Referrals can be made by telephone, email or by dropping in at the VCP.

Contact Information

http://www.veteranscontactpoint.co.uk/
contactus@veteranscontactpoint.co.uk
Bentley Road
Nuneaton
CV11 5LR
02476 343793

Support Offered

Objects:
The relief in need of former members of the Armed Services, their spouses, children and dependents or organisations supporting their needs in particular but not exclusively by:
(i) providing or assisting in the provision of schemes for their resettlement, rehabilitation, retraining and employment; and
(ii) providing or assisting in the provision of grants, items and services for their benefit
 To provide a safe environment.
 To provide a professional assessment of needs.
 To provide a weekly job club & job preparation activities.
 To provide training courses where appropriate, leading to a recognised qualification or accreditation.
 To promote awareness of needs through presentations, partnership working, marketing and fund raising events.
 To provide mentoring/peer support.
 To promote and develop the use of the Armed Forces Centre and its resources to the wider community.
 To support and promote, with others the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The Warrior Programme

Charity Number: 1120893
Company Number: 6263721

The Warrior Programme is a personal motivation and training programme. The course teaches individuals how to take control of their life, and how to increase confidence, motivation and focus, enabling participants to create a healthy, independent and balanced life style. The programme is particularly suitable for ex Service and Serving personnel in transition post operations.

Contact Information

http://www.warriorprogramme.org.uk
enquiries@warriorprogramme.org.uk
1 Thorpe Close
London
W10 5XL
0808 801 0898

Support Offered

3 day educational and motivational training programme and monthly meetings.

Turn to Starboard

Charity Number: 1161201
Company Number: 9182207

Turn to Starboard uses sailing courses to support those affected by military operations.

Contact Information

http://www.turntostarboard.co.uk/
info@turntostarboard.co.uk
Turn to Starboard
Unit 15, Pearces Mill
Falmouth Wharves, North Parade,Falmouth
TR11 2TF
01326 314262

Support Offered

Families weeks – we take a Service family sailing in Cornwall and out of their normal environment. Helping them re-engage with each other after separation.

Zero to Hero – in which we support individual Service personnel who have fallen on particularly hard times to reach RYA Yachtmaster Cruising Instructor and reintegrate them with a career in the marine industry. Provision of a personal Yachtmaster mentor, 1 to 1 support where needed, flexibility to extend the course, career advice and support to enter the marine industry.

RYA courses – provided for groups who have experienced or been affected by operations. RYA Day Skipper courses provide an opportunity to share experiences in a unique environment.

Tall Ship experience – The Princes Trust have gifted us the 92ft Pilot Schooner previously called ‘Spirit of Fairbridge’. She has 18 berths to facilitate larger groups with traditional gaff rigged Tall Ship sailing. Amongst other trips we are planning a ‘Round Britain’ experience in June 2015.

Boat Build project – currently we rely on boat charter to facilitate our sailing. To ensure our long term future we are building a Rustler 42 specifically for our beneficiaries. We also hope to access boat building courses on our project for veterans or those transitioning.

Veterans Growth

Charity Number: 1183537

Veterans’ Growth provides horticultural therapy to veterans facing mental health issues.
Set amidst beautiful Sussex farmland, our site offers a relaxing green space where veterans can come to immerse themselves in nature and learn horticultural skills.
During their time on site, participants socialise with other veterans, gain confidence, knowledge and experience and some go on to find employment within the industry.
The charity also conducts woodland management and green woodwork, alongside Mechanics and Carpentry skills.
The aim of the charity is to provide support and a place on the programme to every veteran in the UK who wants to attend and/or is unable to access help through other channels.
If one life is saved as a result of contact with the charity, we will call it a success.

Contact Information

http://veteransgrowth.org
hello@veteransgrowth.org
Rocks Farm
Oast Cottage Lane
Westfield
TN35 4RS
07379 435513

Support Offered

Veterans’ Growth is run by a veteran with a lived experience, the staff understand that all veterans are different and need different levels of assistance and are all fully trained to provide the best level of service to the veterans community.
Veterans Growth receives referrals from the NHS Op Courage team up and down the country and has contacts to enable us to advise veterans where help that cannot be provided by our small team can be given by other organisations.
Our team consists of Social and Therapeutic trained Horticulturists, Woodland skills manager and many many more skills that can be used to assist a veteran in their personal journey.

Veterans In Action

Charity Number: 1128026
Company Number: 06715319

VIA help veterans who have suffered the effects of war or who have found the transition to civilian life difficult.

Contact Information

http://www.veteransinaction.org.uk
info@veteransinaction.org.uk
The Old Grain Store
Redenham Park
Andover
SP11 9AQ
01264 771658

Support Offered

VIA take a non-therapy approach and instead use centre based projects, adventurous activities and expeditions to help rebuild veterans’ confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.

Veterans Outdoors

Charity Number: 1175204

Based in the South West, Veterans Outdoors is a unique charity offering support, friendship, and outdoor wellbeing activities. We understand the therapeutic benefits of working with horticulture, nature and animals or simply just being outdoors walking, kayaking, learning rural craft skills or just sitting around the fire drinking tea. We do all this and more – and our activities are open to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, is still serving or who has a spousal connection. We also have unique ‘women only veterans’ projects too.

Contact Information

http://www.veteransoutdoors.org.uk
info@veteransoutdoors.org.uk
c/o 4 Stonesclose
Galpin Street
Modbury,Ivybridge
PL21 0RZ
07760 729080

Support Offered

Whether you want a new or different experience, to learn a new skill, try a new hobby or just be part of something and meet new friends, we’d love to hear from you. For those that need it, our programmes are proven to build confidence, help reconnections with family and friends and improve physical and mental wellbeing. If you’d like to find out more about what we’re up to and become part of our growing family of veterans contact us on 07760 729080 or via the email and website below.

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Afghanistan support

In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here