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About Us

The Foundation grew from a groundswell of support shown to the Lancaster family in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

Donations were sent from all around the world, with gigs and fundraising events set up, as people found a host of ways to show their support for Sophie and make a stand against violence and intolerance. 

The alternative community, recognising Sophie as one of their own, took the cause to their heart and that support has been steadfast.

The Foundation was registered as a charity in 2009 (Registered Charity Number 1129689). The aims and objectives of the Charity are as follows:

To create a lasting legacy to Sophie

To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures

To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from alternative subcultures

Music and gigs and the creation of the S.O.P.H.I.E wristband is really the beginning of the Foundation’s evolution.

Events took place across the world, with Sophie’s story particularly resonating with anyone who has been bullied, abused, or attacked for simply being who they are.

Education was at the heart of Sylvia’s plans. Primary and Secondary resources were developed for use in schools, to help young people develop greater critical thinking skills and empathy. 

The resources were created to help students understand that difference was not something to fear and to stimulate in them a greater understanding of the consequences their actions have on themselves and others.
 
As well as undertaking training in schools and colleges, the charity was asked to go into prisons and young offender institutions, telling Sophie’s story, and sharing the devastating impact that violence has on families and communities. Alongside the educational remit, a key area of the Foundation’s work is with the police and judicial system. The sentencing at Sophie’s murder trial was passed as a hate crime, equal to all other strands of hate. Sylvia has since lobbied and campaigned to have hate crime against people from alternative subcultures monitored in the same way as for other hate strands.
 
In 2013, Greater Manchester Police became the first police force in the country to monitor hate crimes and incidents against alternative people. It is a huge achievement for the charity that a total of 18 police forces in England and Wales now do so. 

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The Foundation has gone from strength to strength.

The charity participates in conferences and events nationally and internationally, giving first-hand perspective on the life-changing effects of violence and hate crime. Sophie’s story unlocks the nature and effects of intolerance and hate, and in the telling of her story, we all confront our own prejudice, a necessary step to effecting real change. That is Sophie’s legacy.

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