Veterans volunteer at Sidmouth sanctuary

In glorious summer sunshine, the group from the Armed Forces Community Support Hub (Devon) spent several hours during the morning helping to tidy and improve areas around the centre.

They painted outside furniture with wood stain, took on some general repairs, weeded pathways and cut back overgrown hedgerows. Our donkeys will also benefit from the hazel that was cut during the work, as it will be given to them to enjoy as part of their enrichment.

The afternoon was saved for some wellbeing time among the herd in the East Devon countryside. The group was also given the chance to groom some of the resident donkeys and to find out more about our DAA work. The day concluded with a period of guided meditation.

Stephy Studley, Centre Support and Equine Assistant, said: “The veterans didn’t waste a second and got stuck straight in, helping us with a whole manner of tasks to help improve the area around the centre. We were able to repay their efforts by offering them some wellbeing time with our donkeys after lunch.

“We received some great positive feedback on their day, and they will now be visiting monthly to help us out.”

Terry, one of the volunteers, said: “Our visit to The Donkey Sanctuary was a lovely outing. The camaraderie and humour generated during these times is very beneficial. The staff were very attentive, and we had the opportunity to spend time with the donkeys, get to know their personalities and behaviours, and groom them.”

The Armed Forces Community Support Hub (Devon) was established in 2014 to provide support for veterans and their families in Devon.

Another member of the group named Geoff added: “I had a wonderful time at The Donkey Sanctuary – it was great for my mental health.”