Westmorland and Furness Council provide ‘Letters to Heaven’ post boxes for the benefit of the local community - the first post box is sited within Penrith Cemetery.
A ‘Letter to Heaven’ is a heartfelt message written by someone who has lost a loved one. It is a way to express feelings, memories and thoughts to the departed. Writing letters can often bring solace and provide a sense of connection, even when our loved ones are no longer physically with us. It is a way to express emotions, share memories and find comfort during the grieving process.
The post box is intended for use by people who wish to write a letter to a loved one or friend who has passed away. Anything posted in the post box is non-recoverable and will at all times be treated with the upmost confidentiality.
To ensure the post box can be managed appropriately we ask that people follow the below guidelines:
- Only paper and card items are posted
- All letters posted should be contained within a sealed envelope
- No additional items should be included and no plastic bags etc.
- Only Letters to Heaven should be posted as the box has no affiliation to Royal Mail.
Procedure for handling letters posted
Every letter put into the post box is treated with complete confidentiality and sensitivity. No letters are opened or read.
Letters will be shredded on a regular basis by Westmorland and Furness Bereavement Services staff. The resulting material will then be placed within our on-site composting facility. This means that the letters never leave the site with the resulting compost being used within the cemetery to enhance the grounds for all to appreciate.