A special postbox has been installed at Penrith Cemetery to give families a way to express thoughts and memories to lost loved ones.
The Letters to Heaven postbox will be a permanent feature at the Beacon Edge location, which is owned and looked after by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The idea came from family firm Richardsons Funeral Directors, based in Penrith, and was inspired by a nationwide Letters to Heaven project.
Richardsons have donated the postbox, which has been installed by the council and can be used by anybody regardless of where their loved one lived or their funeral took place.
The contents will remain completely confidential and will be carefully managed by colleagues from the council’s bereavement services.
Cllr John Murray, cabinet member for climate, biodiversity and regulatory services, said: “As a caring council, we hope that the Letters from Heaven postbox will bring a little extra solace to families and friends who are mourning loved ones.
“Everybody is welcome to post their cards and letters into the box in a sealed envelope, at any time, and these will be treated with the greatest respect by our team.
“No address or stamp is needed as the postbox is not linked to the Royal Mail, and the envelopes will not be opened or read.
“The letters will never leave Penrith Cemetery as they will be shredded and composted to help enhance the beautiful grounds for everyone to appreciate.”
Sue Emmerson, of Richardsons Funeral Directors, said: “I first heard about Letters to Heaven postboxes when we sadly lost my son-in-law last year.
“My daughter Suzanne and grandchildren Maisy and Freddy found it very comforting to remember Kev on special occasions by visiting the Letters to Heaven postbox in Keswick, and I hope that lots of families will be helped by having a similar postbox in Penrith as a focal point for posting their memories.
“Everyone at Richardsons is very pleased that the postbox we are donating will be located at Penrith Cemetery, and we’re grateful to the council for taking on the continued care of the Letters to Heaven postbox.
“We hope the simple act of putting pen to paper will help people express their emotions and feel connected to their loved ones as they grieve.”
Paula Thompson, from the Friends of Penrith Cemetery, added: “Our members are dedicated to working alongside the council to ensure that Penrith Cemetery is a tranquil, carefully tended green space for quiet contemplation.
“The grounds have held a Green Flag Award for excellence since 2014 and the Letters to Heaven postbox will be a thoughtful, welcome addition to the cemetery for visitors of all ages.
“Thank you to Richardsons for supporting the local community as they navigate bereavement.”
