Somerstock donates £500 to Service Dogs UK

Somerstock has donated £500 to Service Dogs UK, following the charity’s involvement in this year’s festival.

The cheque was presented by Somerstock Festival Chairman Fred Bassett and committee member Alex Stannett to Nigel Rousell from Service Dogs UK.

Service Dogs UK joined the Somerton Music & Arts Festival programme in July, giving festival-goers the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The talk was led by Bryan Maddams, who explained how specially trained assistance dogs can transform the lives of veterans living with PTSD. Bryan explored what PTSD is and its symptoms, as well as explaining how Service Dogs UK carefully matches and trains dogs to support those who have served.

Accompanied by his own assistance dog, Ferris, Bryan also gave a live demonstration, showing some of the practical ways assistance dogs can provide reassurance, independence and day-to-day support to their partners.

Money raised from ticket sales for the festival talk was also donated to Service Dogs UK, with the additional £500 donation from Somerstock providing further support for the charity’s work.

The donation is part of Somerstock’s ongoing commitment to supporting charities and organisations whose work makes a difference to people’s lives.