A CONCERT to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf organisation has sparked an appeal for more awareness of the charity. ?Changing Lives? is the title of the event taking place at Tavistock Parish Church on Saturday, October 6 and will feature a performance by Launceston Male Voice Choir and Town Band. The event is being held to raise not only money, but awareness of the charity, which is still relatively unknown by West Devon residents. It has been organised by the Devon and Cornwall Borders Fundraising Group, one of the various branches of the charity. Tim Sutton-Woodhouse from Lifton is a volunteer for the South West puppies socialising programme ? another branch of the charity ? and an organiser of the concert. Tim socialises dogs for people who need the animals. Tim is currently training his 25th dog, a springer spaniel called Ted. He said: ?This concert is a case of getting the charity better known in the South West. There are currently 13 socialisers but the charity is looking for more people to help train a young dog. ?The socialising programme has been going on for one year and it is going really well. Five successfully trained dogs have so far gone to homes.? Hearing Dogs for the Deaf has been running since 1982 and has seen countless dogs re-homed. The charity trains young dogs and puppies to alert deaf people to everyday sounds, providing greater confidence, security and independence. One dog adopter, Barbara Bird, said: ?My hearing dog Ceri is my helpmate, my friend, my protector ? and she?s fun! ?I never envisaged how big a difference she would make to my life.? One socialiser, Bettina Meller, said: ?It?s a great feeling knowing we?ve played a part in a rescue puppy?s success as a working companion. ?But the best thing is learning about the special partnerships between puppies you have nurtured and their new deaf owners.? Tim is hoping the concert will make people aware of what the charity does and how much work goes into socialising a dog. Tavistock mayor, Anne Johnson, will be attending the concert along with West Devon mayor Dennis Bater. During the concert a silent auction will be held and items up for sale include a silk/satin quilt with the charity?s logo ? made by volunteer member Jan Long from Pensilver. Tickets cost £6 in advance from Ward and Chowen, Fulfords Estate Agents, the Book Shop in King Street, or £7 on the night. For more information on the concert or the charity contact Tim on 01566 784212, or visit http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk">www.hearingdogs.org.uk