Here at Void, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is a cause very close to our hearts. As members of and supporters of all alternative subcultures, we have all either personally experienced or know someone who has experienced hatred and/or prejudice aimed towards them simply for their fashion style, hobbies or entertainment preferences.
Sophie Lancaster was beautiful young woman who, as a direct result of being recognised as a member of gothic subculture, was murdered for the way she looked. The evening of August 11th 2007 while walking home, Sophie and her boyfriend Rob were both beaten unconscious for being 'moshers'. Sophie slipped into a coma as a result of her horrific head injuries and died as a result thirteen days after the attack.
Following Sophie's death on August 24th 2007, it was agreed by her family and friends that a charity would be set up in her name. And so on May 18th 2009 the charity, known as The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, was born. The main focus of the charity is on creating respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities. They also aim to raise awareness of prejudice against subcultures though campaigning and educational work. As well as working to have UK Hate Crime extended to include "Alternative Subcultures". And, of course, creating a lasting legacy to Sophie herself.
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation works in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who are part of subcultures are protected by the law. They now have 13 police forces across the UK recording hate crime against Alternative Subcultures and are working with more to achieve the same outcome.
They work in primary and secondary schools, colleges, prisons and with young offenders providing education by delivering groupworks. They also provide training to staff in each of these establishments to extend and better their understanding and knowledge.
The work the charity provides is outstanding and invaluable. We sell a huge range of SOPHIE charity items, you can purchase them from us here . In addition to selling the items, we ensure 100% of the money raised from SOPHIE sales goes back into the charity by covering any surcharges ourselves.
Alternatively, you can donate directly to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation by texting SOPH05 £(Your Amount) to 70070
And for more information about the charity and the work they are doing you could visit their webpage www.sophielancasterfoundation.com