World Mental Health Day: Felix's memory to be honoured with special Construction Award

Felix, from Malton, was only 19 when he tragically died in February 2023.

He had been studying Bricklaying at College with his tutor Jon Mellor describing him as a “lovely character who always had a smile on his face”.

On World Mental Health Day, we are now announcing that Felix will be remembered at our annual Construction Awards Ceremony in June 2025, where the prize will be presented to a student who best demonstrates the two traits chosen by his family.

Suicide is the leading killer of men under the age of 35 in the UK with statistics for those working in the construction industry an alarming 3.7 times higher than the national average.

Felix’s mum Alison Salisbury is hoping the award will help raise awareness of support channels that are open to young people who might be encountering struggles with their mental health and well-being.

She said: “Felix’s predominant quality was kindness.  He was a personable young man who put himself out for others, always looked out for his friends and made conversation easily with anyone and everyone he met.

“He was gentle and incredibly loving and always spoke up for, and supported, the underdog. He was also spirited and headstrong with a real twinkle in his eyes.

“From being a little boy, he spoke about becoming a builder and could not wait to get to York College to begin his course. He was passionate about his trade, excelled on the course and absolutely loved his time at College, speaking very fondly of his tutors.

“Although Felix was experiencing some difficulties navigating life and relationships, the things common to most young people, we could not have foreseen his life ending prematurely under such traumatic circumstances. It is vital for us, as a family, that Felix is not defined by his death, so we felt awarding a prize to a construction student would be an appropriate way of celebrating his legacy and we want it to be given to someone on the merits of courage and kindness.

“We are aware that young people experience all kinds of challenges and the journey through college may not be straightforward for some who need to show determination and courage to complete their studies. Someone who seeks opportunities to show kindness to others would also reflect Felix’s predominant trait.”

Alongside the award, Felix’s family are planning to raise funds for Mates in Mind – a mental health charity, who are to be invited onto Campus to deliver a talk to Construction students.

College also works with the likes of Menfulness, Talk About Trust and North Yorkshire Police to raise awareness among students of access to mental health and well-being support.

Alison added: “It’s vital that, as a society, we strive to talk openly and remove the stigma of mental-health difficulties. We must find ways to open the dialogue so our young people can talk, without fear of judgement about how they are feeling.

“I feel the work of Mates in Mind to promote open discussions around the mental health of those in the construction industry and signpost support for those who are experiencing difficulties is crucial and hopefully can prevent another family experiencing the utter devastation and pain that we will feel for the rest of our lives.

“Our lives will never be the same without the gentle giant that Felix was, but we know he would approve of our desire to support others in his memory.”

Alison’s eldest son Isaac had always planned to run a family construction business with Felix and has named his own company Redline Construction – the name his youngest sibling chose for them both.

On how the whole department was impacted by the loss of Felix, York College & University Centre Head of Construction Ash Stokes said: “We were all devastated to hear of the tragic news, especially as Felix was such a fantastic student while with us for his apprenticeship.

“Unfortunately, mental health is the biggest killer in the construction sector and, therefore, we welcome the opportunity to be involved with the charity Mates in Mind. It is important to get the message out that there is help available to students who might be struggling.”

Commenting on the lasting impression Felix made during his time at College, his tutor Jon Mellor added: “Felix was a lovely character who always had a smile on his face. He would take the mickey out of tutors, but always in a friendly, fun, and respectful way.

“He was also a very good bricklayer with a lot of skill, who achieved a Distinction in his Apprenticeship Standard.”

Outlining the importance of the award, Mates in Mind Managing Director Sam Downie said: “We were so sorry to hear about Felix and applaud the courageous initiative his family and the college have committed to, in creating an award in his memory. It will help raise awareness of mental health and, at the same time, reward another student who demonstrates courage and kindness whilst overcoming their own personal experiences to attend college.”

Mates in Mind also run a text support service, where trained volunteers are available 24/7 and can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness and depression.

It can be accessed by texting “BeAMate” to 85258.