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.
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.
Provision of offshore sailing to disabled Ex Service Personnel and their dependants and disabled other people of all ages and disabilities.
Offshore Sailing
Day Sailing
Cruises varying in length between 2 and 10 days
RYA Practical Courses
Races
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.
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.
To provide enduring, practical support to widows and dependants of those who served with the UK Armed Forces, to veterans of the UK Armed Forces, and to retired nurses (either military or civilian).
To act as an enduring memorial to those who died in the service of their country through the voluntary work carried out by our beneficiaries, who are formally known as Remembrance Workers.
Volunteer Placements
Welfare
Grants-In-Aid
Social Events
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here