SI Rossendale were pleased to welcome Sylvia Lancaster OBE to their club meeting on 18 October to talk
about the work of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in educating young people and organisations on the
impact of hate crime and how we can work to change attitudes for the best.
Sylvia’s daughter Sophie, together with her boyfriend Rob, were viciously attacked in a park in Bacup
nine years ago. The only motive for the crime seemed to be that Sophie and Rob dressed in a unique
way, expressing their individuality as creative artistic people.
The Foundation works in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who are
part of subcultures are protected by the law. In 2013 Greater Manchester Police became the first to
monitor and record hate crimes and incidents againts people from Alternative Subcultures. Several
other Police Authorities followed their example.
SI Rossendale will be working to support the work of the Foundation during the coming year.
