Graveside postbox 'brilliant for mental health'

Angela Wells from Saltash often writes to her late parents

A special postbox in a Cornish cemetery which allows people to send messages to people who have died has been described as "brilliant for people's mental health".

Hundreds of cards and letters have been posted in the Letters to Heaven postbox every week since it was installed in January 2024 in Saltash, Cornwall.

The postbox has just been repainted from red to light blue colour to refresh it.

The Mayor of Saltash, councillor Rachel Bullock, said it "helps keep a connection with somebody that you've lost, that you're missing".

Letters, cards and children's drawings have all been posted in the cemetery postbox

Saltash resident Angela Wells said: "I post a card to my parents every year so I can remember them.

"They're buried here in the cemetery and when I write them a card I feel like I'm connected to them still, it's a way to pause and think about them for a time.

"It's a gentle and beautiful way to honour them – they were kind, good people and I still miss them."

Councillor Rachel Bullock with the newly-painted Letters to Heaven postbox

The postbox is emptied regularly by the town council and is near capacity on each collection day.

The letters, cards, poems and drawings are not read but are composted and returned to the earth in the spirit of the project.

Bullock added: "Whether used to express love, share memories, or simply maintain a sense of connection, the post box continues to be a valued feature for those navigating loss.

"The continued use of the box is a reminder of the importance of small gestures in supporting emotional wellbeing and remembrance."

The Letters to Loved Ones concept was inspired by 10-year-old Matilda, who wanted to write to her grandparents after they died, so a white postbox was erected at Thorpe Road Cemetery in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

A similar post box has been installed at Penmount Memorial Gardens in Truro, Cornwall as well.