The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

As one of the most proactive charities in Rossendale, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation aims to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hate and Intolerance Everywhere.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

Charities in Rossendale

Stamp Out Prejudice, Hate and Intolerance Everywhere

Registered Charity No. 1129689

On the 24th August 2007, Sophie Lancaster died from her injuries following a horrific attack in Stubbylee Park, Rossendale. The simple reason why Sophie and her boyfriend Robert were attacked was that they looked different.

Sophie died because of the prejudices, hate and intolerance that people from alternative subcultures often face today, all over our country. This type of crime is also more common than is estimated as many young people have come into contact with these negative views in their daily lives.

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Aims

The aim of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation is to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hate and Intolerance Everywhere. The foundation was set up by Sophie's mother, Sylvia Lancaster and has become one of the most proactive charities in Rossendale and across the UK.

The goals of the foundation are:

◦To create a lasting legacy to Sophie

 ◦Working with local politicians and police for a better understanding.

 ◦To change the law by having hate crime legislation brought up to date so that all hate attacks on individuals from a particular subculture are treated with the same seriousness as a racial attack, for example. A change in the law will allow people to feel safe whilst expressing their individuality, as this is the right of every person.

 ◦To make a difference through education. Attacks on people of alternative subcultures are often a result of ignorance or a lack of understanding. This education will be conveyed as part of a ground breaking workshop which is being taken into schools, to help pupils appreciate members of all youth cultures.

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Promoting The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

To meet aims and objectives The Sophie Lancaster Foundation has promoted itself on both national and international platforms. Sylvia Lancaster has been interviewed many times for television and newspapers, even appearing on a "Tonight With Trevor McDonald" special.

The foundation also work with other high profile charities such as the Anne Frank Trust, who recognise that Sophie's death was a hate crime. Bizarre magazine have dedicated a page called "Proud To Be Different" to the work of the foundation in their monthly publication.

The political and social campaign highlighting the issues faced by alternative subcultures has led Sylvia to be appointed to Hate Crime Advisory Board for the government. Sylvia also met with the Justice Minister Jack Straw in 2009 to discuss the need for updating legislation.