Construction students support armed forces memorial

Construction students from Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) are playing a key role in the development of a landmark memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The Elysium Memorial is being created in partnership with the Elysium Memorial Foundation and will provide a place of reflection for families, while recognising the unseen struggles faced by many serving armed forces personnel and veterans.

BSDC students are contributing to the construction of the memorial, gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting a project of national importance.

As part of the project’s progress, the memorial’s stonework was recently transported from North Yorkshire to Staffordshire, marked by a large convoy of bikers forming a guard of honour. Among those taking part was Construction Tutor Ian Vanes-Jones, who represented the College on the journey.

The Elysium Memorial will be one of the first memorials of its kind in the UK dedicated to armed forces personnel and veterans who have lost their lives to suicide, aiming to raise awareness of mental health challenges within the armed forces community. The memorial is set to be officially dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum later this year.

Ian Vanes-Jones, Construction Tutor at BSDC, said: “This is an incredibly important project for our students – they’re not only applying their skills in a real-world environment, but also contributing to something with deep national and emotional significance. Hands-on projects like this play a valuable role in preparing students for their future careers.”

Edward Mackenzie, Co-Founder of the Elysium Memorial Foundation, added: “The Elysium Memorial represents those we have lost in silence. This memorial ensures they are remembered and that their families have a place to reflect. We hope this project encourages a wider national conversation around the mental health of serving personnel and veterans. We are extremely grateful to the Construction students at BSDC for their contributions to this important project.”