At Avocet Court in Ipswich, a touching initiative has been introduced to support families and residents in coping with loss.
A memory garden has been unveiled as part of our annual Athena in Bloom competition which includes a unique and heartwarming feature—a “Postbox to Heaven.”
The white postbox allows residents, family members, and friends to actively post a letter to their departed loved one. Whether it’s sharing fond memories or expressing unspoken words, this gesture offers a meaningful way for people to process their grief and feel connected to those they have lost.
Home Manager Ruth Garnham explained, “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 peaceful memory garden enjoys a distant view of the iconic Orwell Bridge and provides a tranquil setting for contemplation and remembrance, where individuals can enjoy a few quiet moments with memories of their loved ones.
The idea of sending letters to heaven ties in beautifully with another recent initiative at Avocet Court to equip the team for supporting bereaved families and talking 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.
“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,” added Ruth.
“This thoughtful and compassionate environment ensures that everyone at Avocet Court can find peace and comfort during difficult times.”
The creation of the memory garden underscores the home’s commitment to supporting emotional wellbeing and honouring the memories of those who have passed – whether through the simple act of writing a letter or by spending a quiet moment or two on the memorial bench.
