About us
Welcome to The David Ellis Charity
Charity number: 1192363
We are a Dorset‑based charity, run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to supporting serving UK military personnel, veterans, and their families within our community. As an Armed Forces‑friendly organisation, we proudly uphold our commitment as a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and as a Silver Award holder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to those who protect our nation.
All our instructors give their time for free and provide recreational, leisure, and social‑welfare activities for these groups, creating spaces where people can connect, unwind, and feel supported. We believe the benefits of military service should not end when the uniform comes off.
Our veterans stand shoulder to shoulder with the NHS and care staff who work alongside our troops during major incidents, overseas operations, and in everyday peacetime roles. We invite NHS staff and families to join in our classes as a shared commitment to service that cares and protects our Armed Forces community.
Our enduring commitment to those we serve
Awards
We are proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Silver Award holder in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
We were proud to be named the second‑placed finalists in the English Veterans Awards ‘Veterans Group of the Year’ 2025.
We were proud to be named the third‑placed finalists in the English Veterans Awards ‘Health & Wellbeing Award’ 2025.
Testimonials
Veteran
This charity has been a life line of support to me since I left the services. The fitness classes and social gatherings have been and still are very supportive in every aspect.
NHS
I have made lots of lovely new friends. My strength and flexibilty continues to improve. I no longer have hip pain.
Veteran
The charity has expanded my support network locally. It has introduced me to new people and organisations that I may not have been familiar with.
Veteran & NHS
The drive and camaraderie has motivated me to set new fitness goals and achieve them. To get more socially involved in fundraising and join in.
Share on Facebook, email, and WatsApp
The David Ellis Charity is a registered charity (number: 1192363) dedicated to supporting veterans, their families, and the armed forces community living in Dorset. Our goal is to raise funds through donations, grants, and charity events to help achieve our mission of fostering a healthier and happier armed forces community.
A proud member of
We take the privacy of our supporters and beneficiaries seriously.
Our privacy policy complies with the latest GDPR guidelines.
The David Ellis Charity 2020-2026