GILLINGHAM is the latest town to adopt a Letters to Heaven post box, which provides a space for reflection and connection.

The white post box, which has been installed at Gillingham Cemetery, became a reality after Gillingham resident Zoe Matthews made the suggestion to the town council.

It provides a quiet, reflective space where individuals can post letters, cards, drawings, or messages to loved ones that are no longer here.

All contributions will remain entirely confidential and will not be opened or read.

Gillingham Mayor, councillor Fiona Cullen, said: “We hope the post box brings comfort to those grieving, offering a safe and gentle space for remembrance.

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“It is a small but significant way to support wellbeing within our community.”

The Letters to Heaven concept first began at Gedling Crematorium in Nottinghamshire in 2022 after nine-year old Matilda Handy’s grandparents passed away.

She told her mother Leanne that she wished she could send her grandparents birthday and Christmas cards, which prompted Leanne to approach Gedling Crematorium where she works, to paint an old post box white and become the first-ever Letters to Heaven post box.

Matilda and Leanne’s story hit the headlines and inspired crematoriums and town councils across the country to follow suit.

The post box aims to ease the suffering grief can cause and be a comfort during anniversaries or birthdays.