Screening of Sophie Lancaster film held at Preston’s university

The mother of a young Lancashire woman murdered for being a goth has visited the University of Central Lancashire.

Sophie Lancaster’s mother Sylvia visited Preston for a special screening of the film Black Roses.

Advertisements

“The audience discussion following the film was very honest and positive, giving everyone a voice and a way to move forward with the next steps to ensuring we are safe in our communities.”

UCLan’s Creative Communities Group Manager Nigel Farnworth, Des Butler from the Developing from the Negatives project at Disability North West, Sophie Lancaster’s mum Sylvia from the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Deputy Chief Constable Sunita Gamblin and Chief Inspector Ian Mills and from Lancashire Constabulary.

Disability Equality North West and UCLan’s Creative Communities Group organised the event to mark the tenth anniversary of Sophie’s death

Communities manager Nigel Farnworth said: “‘It was a privilege for the CCG to bring this event to UCLan. The film about Sophie’s life was very powerful and meeting her mother Sylvia was an honour. The fascinating question and answer session at the end left me and other members of the audience inspired to help spread the message that hate crime of any kind is unacceptable.

“The tragedy and the circumstances surrounding Sophie’s death is still very difficult to comprehend and the anniversary of her death gives us the opportunity to both remember Sophie and highlight hate crime that is still taking place in our society.

“Sophie’s mother Sylvia has been doing an amazing job in what must be very difficult circumstances raising awareness of hate crime and keeping it high in the public agenda.”

Chief executive of Disability Equality North West Mel Close said: “We are proud to be working with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation to ensure that’s Sophie’s legacy lives on and that the issue of hate crime and witnesses/victims knowing how to access and where to report continues.”