THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION RECEIVES GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Johnny Main
13th February 2017
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation will receive £50,000 from the UK Government to support and develop their work challenging prejudices that lead to hate crime.
The Department of Communities and Local Government recognises the work the foundation has been doing in schools, colleges and with young offenders and for the first time are funding the foundation to enable them to further their reach.
Sylvia Lancaster, whose work with the charity creating Sophie's legacy, received an OBE for "Community Cohesion and Reduction of Hate Crime" in 2014 told us:
"For this funding to be granted in Sophie's 10th anniversary year is validation of our work in my daughter's memory. Sophie was murdered in a hate motivated attack and I have spent my time since the day she died trying to ensure no one else suffers because they are expressing their individuality.
The UK Government have long recognised that hate crimes damage our communities and are supporting work to strengthen the education that is needed to challenge and prevent intolerance and prejudice. We start with primary school age children while also training police and other professionals. We are grateful for this funding that will support us to develop resources that raise empathy and encourage the celebration, not fear, of 'difference'."
A spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Local Government described their long and fruitful relationship with the charity, stating:
"We've had a relationship with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation for a while and we identified an opportunity to fund their valuable work. This wasn't a bid process, but rather the recognition of the need for certain groups to receive extra support."
The foundation was set up in 2007 following the horrific attack on Sophie and her partner Rob in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire. As a result of her severe head injuries Sophie went into a coma, never regained consciousness, and died thirteen days later.
The police said the attack may have been linked to the couple wearing Gothic fashion and being members of the Goth subculture, as both Sophie and Rob dressed in their unique way, expressing their individuality as creative artistic people.
After consulting family and friends, Sophie's mother, Sylvia, felt that a charity should be set up in Sophie's name and it will continue to focus on creating respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities.
Sophie Lancaster Foundation: http://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com
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