Help us share the Take Shelter experience with more people

UPDATE – A new accessible entrance to the shelter was installed in September 2022 – NEW PAGE COMING SOON

Did you know that during the war EVERY school had an air raid shelter?

Today the ONLY school shelter open to the public in the UK is at Downs Junior School in Brighton.

Our vision – a new entrance

We want to be able to share the Downs Junior School air raid shelter experience with as many people as possible BUT there is one obstacle that we can’t solve on our own. Access into the shelter is via a small hatch and a steep ladder. This regularly puts off, or physically prevents, visitors of all ages from entering the shelter. In particular it often prevents older people, those for whom the war is still within their living memory, from visiting the shelter.

We want to build a new accessible entrance inspired by the original shelter stairs. This will allow a greater number of people with a greater range of abilities (up to and including ambulant disabled), to access the shelter. Entering the shelter via steps will add to the existing air raid experience as it will be reminiscent of the way everyone entered during the war when they heard the unmistakable sound of the siren.

What we are asking for?

We are now looking to you to help us make this possible. The building work is going to cost £52,800. We will continue to invest all income generated by Take Shelter into this project so we are looking to raise a further £35,000.