Visiting Speaker: Sylvia Lancaster, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

Photo caption: (Left to right) Sylvia Lancaster and Stacey.

Sylvia Lancaster, founder of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, came into College to give a talk one the work Sophie’s charity is doing; creating a platform for issues of hate crime and discrimination that young people with 'alternative' style and cultural interests regularly face. Sylvia is the mother of Sophie, a young Goth who was murdered in 2007, kicked to death in an unprovoked attack because of the way she looked.

Sylvia gave a moving and very thought provoking talk about her experiences. The work the Foundation has been doing to raise awareness has gathered momentum and was instrumental in Greater Manchester Police’s decision to amend their policy on hate crime.

Students and parents who wish to support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation can purchase a Sophie wristband from Learner Services at £1 each.

Check out Sophie’s oundation on Facebook to find out more or visit www.sophielancasterfoundation.com.