A 'post box' to heaven has been installed at a care home in Ipswich to give grieving families and residents a link with their loved ones.

Avocet Court has unveiled a distinctive white post box along with a memory garden.

Residents, family members, and friends have the opportunity to actively post a letter to their departed loved one through the post box.

The care home encourages people to share fond memories or write unspoken words, in a bid to help them process their grief and feel connected to those they have lost.

Such initiative has been taking place across Ipswich in the past year. 

The post box The post box gives people a chance to actively post a letter to their departed loved one.(Image: Athena Care Homes)

Home manager Ruth Garnham said: “The memory garden and Postbox to Heaven at Avocet Court exemplify a holistic approach to dealing with loss, combining practical training for our team with initiatives to support our residents and their families.

“This thoughtful and compassionate environment ensures that everyone at Avocet Court can find peace and comfort during difficult times.”

The memory garden began development on COVID-19 Memorial Day in March, and the care home planted three rose bushes in the garden - one for each community within the home.

“A bench was also installed in memory of a team member, offering a place for quiet reflection," Ms Garnham added. 

"We decided we wanted to develop the garden from that point onwards and are delighted to have been able to get the postbox to heaven installed and in use.”

They have also added a bench in memory ofThey have also added a bench in memory of a team member. (Image: Athena Care Homes)

The memory garden will also have a distant view of the Orwell Bridge and provide a peaceful setting where individuals can enjoy a few quiet moments with memories of their loved ones.

The project ties in with Avocet Court's initiative to equip their team for supporting bereaved families and talking openly with people about end-of-life care.