A day out with a difference

Ever wondered what it takes to respond to some of the world’s worst natural disasters?

Google ‘disaster relief visitor centre’ and you might be surprised to learn that the only one in Europe is in Truro. Step into one of Cornwall’s most unique visitor attractions and you’ll enter the fascinating world of ShelterBox, an international relief charity that responds to natural disasters. Free to enter, this really is a day out with a difference that will leave you feeling inspired.

But what is a disaster relief visitor centre all about? “It’s hard to describe what a disaster relief visitor centre is, but it’s not like a museum,” says Andy Bramwell, who runs the centre.

“We don’t talk about the past, we talk about where we are responding now, and how the aid items we send can create a future for people who have survived disasters.”

Since its birth in Helston 19 years ago, Cornish charity ShelterBox have responded to earthquakes, flooding, drought, storms and conflict all over the world, helping over 1.5 million people get their lives back to normal. Its visitor centre showcases some of the aid items it provides like tents, solar lanterns and water filters, while interactive displays and exhibits explain how it decides where to respond and show the positive impact a simple item can have for a family who’ve lost everything after a disaster.

“It’s interactive, thought provoking, family friendly and educational all at the same time and our visitors have been overwhelmingly positive” says Andy. “We’re only a small attraction, but I can guarantee your visit will be time well spent. Our work, the people we meet, the problems we have to solve and the stories we encounter are endlessly fascinating.”

If you love talking about the weather then you’ll feel at home in this summer’s new exhibition ‘Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons’. You’ll find out about the science behind how and where they are formed, learn about the effects of devastating winds, storm surges, and flooding, and hear about the storms ShelterBox has responded to. Your family can tackle the Hurricane Challenge Trail, have a go at packing a ShelterBox and explore the family friendly Weather Lab, where budding meteorologists can have a go at making lightning, thunder and tornadoes.

ShelterBox Visitor Centre

01872 302600

www.visitshelterbox.org