Events & Classes

FREE for veterans, armed forces personnel,

NHS, carers, and their families

 

The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 should do strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles, and at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. The David Ellis Charity delivers an established programme of free fitness classes funded by grant awards, fundraising, and sponsorship at venues in Dorchester, Weymouth, and Portland for military veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel, healthcare staff, and families. 

 

Veterans - It is important to register with a GP, rather than wait until you need treatment. Find information about how the NHS works and how it provides healthcare to the armed forces community HERE. If you’ve recently left the forces, it is important to give your GP the paperwork your military medical centre gave you, including any medical records. 

Join a FREE class - An active and healthy lifestyle can help to reduce strain on the NHS and free up resources. Our instructors are a volunteer husband and wife team qualified as fitness professionals. Classes are tailored to meet the needs of a range of physical challenges. We advise anyone new to exercise or returning to exercise after injury or illness to seek clearance from their GP. Fitness staff conduct a short physical activity readiness questionnaire prior to your first class. 

 

Instructors are:

 

 CIMSPA registered

 UK Coaching insured

 Enhanced DBS checked

 Safeguarding level 2 certified

 Advanced first aid instructors

 Archery GB instructors

 

venues

  The David Ellis Charity connects to other good causes. The venues we use for our health & well-being activities are either registered charities or serve the community.

Activities Timetable

 

The David Ellis Charity

Activities Timetable - 2025

 

 

 

Dorchester

 

Dorchester Rugby Club

 

 

Monday: 6-7pm - Circuit Training

(Funded by Royal Marine veteran Sean Phelps)

 

Tuesday: 6-7pm - Pilates

(Funded by the Dorset Council Community & Culture Award)

 

 

The Prince of Wales School

 

Wednesday: 6:30 - 7:30pm - Functional Fitness Class

(Sponsored by Ian Windsor of 'Windsor Associates' Dorchester)

 

 

Dorchester Youth Community Centre 

(Kings Rd, DT1 1NJ)

 

12pm - 2pm Veterans Drop-in 

Every 3rd Sunday of the month

(Families, and serving members of the armed forces welcome)

 

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Weymouth

 

Redlands Leisure Centre

 

Thursday: 6-7pm - Functional Fitness Class

(Sponsored by Sarah-Jane and Nick Harper fitness instructors)

 

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Portland

 

Osprey Leisure Centre

 

Saturday: 9-10am - Circuit Training

(Funded by Steve Oldrid and The Benouville D-Day Friends)

 

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Dorset Area Activities

 

 

10am - Group Walks with the SW Coast Path Association

Locations Published on our 'Calendar' page

 

 

Archery Sessions

Available on request - taster sessions and fundraising

Locations and dates published on our 'Calendar' page

 

THANK YOU NHS

*Dorset 'Healthcare Heroes' are welcome to join in all activities for FREE!

 

 

 

Health & Wellbeing Activities