Helston-founded disaster relief charity ShelterBox has announced it will be permanently closing its visitor centre in Truro due to concerns over coronavirus and the financial impact of the pandemic.

Since moving its main headquarters to the city three years ago the charity has run a busy 'visitor experience' at Falcon House in Charles Street, Truro. In that time the charity has welcomed more 20,000 visitors through the doors.

It said one of the "many highlights" was the partnership with Truro School, which saw 550 young people visit the centre to learn about the different types of disaster, weather patterns, and how emergency shelter is vital for rebuilding lives.

However, the charity has decided to now close to visitors, due to a combination of protecting people from the spread of Covid-19 and a loss of income this year that means it must prioritise its rescue efforts.

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ShelterBox chief executive Sanj Srikanthan said: “We have enjoyed being a well-loved part of Truro for both visitors to Cornwall and our local community.

"We are enormously grateful for the support we have received from so many people, from our incredible volunteers and Rotary groups, to local schools and businesses, as well as to our president Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who opened the centre three years ago.

“However, ShelterBox must take the possible spread of coronavirus very seriously. Our priority must be to protect visitors, volunteers, and our staff as well as considering the safety of the families that we serve around the world.

"In addition, the reality is that we are unlikely to meet our income expectations for 2020, whilst needs around the world only increase with the additional impact of coronavirus. We must remain focused on our core priorities through these tough times.”

Falmouth Packet:

The Duchess of Cornwall at a reception with ShelterBox at Clarence House. Photo: Ian Jones

The charity went on to add that the global humanitarian disaster that is coronavirus only served to make the "vital importance of shelter" clearer than ever.

"The virus is a deadly risk for vulnerable families who have lost their homes to disaster – especially in places like settlements in Syria, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

"Emergency shelter can save lives during this pandemic by slowing the spread of the virus. It provides a place to call home, where you can socially distance, wash your hands and share fewer household items with other families," added ShelterBox.

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The closure of the visitor centre is one of a number of measures the charity is making to ensure staff and volunteers are working safely and managing costs.

Other measures include taking part in the Government’s job retention scheme, reviewing planned projects to ensure a focus on core priorities, leaving some roles vacant and restructuring teams.

Whilst the visitor centre will close, the charity headquarters will remain in Truro.

The charity was founded in Helston in 2000 by Helston-Lizard Rotary Club and has grown to now having15 affiliate organisations worldwide.

The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012.