The post box has been installed by Bound Together CIC near Matchborough pond in Redditch after a number of children have died at the site over the years.
Karina Homer, who runs Karina’s Kristina’s Bears, came up with the idea as she wanted to create a safe space where people could write to their relatives especially parents who have lost children.
Karina Homer and her family (Image: Bound Together CIC) Alison Osborne, Director of Bound Together CIC, said: “As part of our upcoming Bound by Loss project in Matchborough, Karina suggested a post box to send letters to heaven. It was such a lovely idea that we wanted to help bring Karina’s vision to life.
“We had help from Karina’s dad and Jo at The Old Sticky Wicket also said we could use the pub’s fence to put up the post box. We then got together and surprised Karina on Christmas Eve. She was so shocked and absolutely loved it.”
The post box is part of a bigger project with Reimagine Redditch called Bound by Loss which will see an artist commissioned to paint some artwork in memory of the children who have lost their lives at the pond.
Each letter posted in the post box is completely private and will never be opened with people from across Worcestershire welcome to use it.
The post box will be emptied regularly and the letters will be turned into forget me not seed bombs that will be left at the post box for people to pick up and take home.
Ms Osborne, aged 44, said: “There are a few similar schemes across the country, but nothing really like it in our area. I want people to know that even if you live in Bromsgrove or a neighbouring town in Worcestershire, everyone is welcome to travel and use the post box.
“We have seen a few places that either throw the letters away or burn them, but we wanted to do something that would be more poignant. By creating seed bombs for people to plant, it is almost like that relative or loved one is still close to them.
“The seeds will grow in nature and keep their memory alive, which we hope will help those who are grieving.”
The community pulled together to pay for and install the post box which was made possible thanks to the ReNEW small grant scheme and the North East Worcestershire Cultural Compact Programme.
The letters to heaven post box has already been a huge success with the community really rallying around to support the project.
The post box is located near Matchborough pond (Image: Bound Together CIC) Ms Osborne added: “We were a bit worried about installing the post box over the festive period in case it got vandalised, but we went to see it after New Year’s Eve and even the flowers we had put near the post box had not been touched.
“It means a lot to us and it is so lovely to see everyone in the community respect the post box and what it means to those who have lost loved ones. I think that is what makes the project so special as no matter your background or experience, everyone is united in grief.
“We have all experienced it in one form or another and understand that isolation and pain and the desire to speak to those that have passed away. We’ve already had a few letters in the post box and I really hope it will continue to be a place where people can find comfort and space to grieve.”
Anyone is welcome to use the post box with Ms Osborne encouraging people to write a message on the envelope if they would like to get in touch with Bound Together CIC or Karina.
For more information visit the Bound Together CIC Facebook page.