Avocet Court in Ipswich has introduced a “postbox to heaven” initiative to support families and residents in coping with loss.

The care home has unveiled a memory garden as part of provider Athena’s annual Athena in Bloom competition.

The garden includes a white postbox which allows residents, family members, and friends to post a letter to their departed loved one. From sharing fond memories to expressing unspoken words, the gesture allows people to process their grief and feel connected to those they have lost.

Ruth Garnham, home manager, said, “The memory garden’s development began on Covid Memorial Day in March when we planted three rose bushes, one for each of the communities within the home.

“A bench was also installed in memory of a team member, offering a place for quiet reflection. 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.”

The memory garden provides a tranquil setting for contemplation and remembrance, with a distant view of the Orwell Bridge.

Avocet Court has also introduced a training programme which aims to upskill staff to support bereaved families and talk openly with people about end-of-life care.

In collaboration with a local funeral director, Avocet Court offers a comprehensive “Care after Death” training programme to all team members. This training offers an insight on the necessary procedures following a resident’s passing and how to offer empathetic and knowledgeable support to grieving relatives.