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Our Staff

Sylvia

I’m Sylvia, more often known as “Sophie’s Mum” these days and I am the Chief Executive of the charity I established as a lasting legacy to Sophie.

It’s a busy role that sees me working all over the UK and into Europe delivering presentations and training to raise crucial awareness of the damage of hate crime and its impact on victims and communities. I’m a regular key-note speaker at conferences but just as happy working on the SOPHIE stall at Bloodstock, Rebellion or Download!

Since 2010 I have been a member of the UK Government Cross Party Hate Crime Independent Advisory Group which allows me to be a voice for alternative people and victims of hate crime.

Using my experience as a youth worker I feel that reaching young people and those who work with them is at the centre of all we do.

Adam

My name is Adam and I’m normally your first point of contact in the office.

I deal with the day to day running of the office whether it’s keeping the IT going or sending invoices. I also go and visit schools, colleges and universities to deliver presentations and group works on the foundation’s work and hate crime. You will also see me out at gigs and festivals like Bloodstock, Download running stalls and talking to people.

Dena

I’m Dena and my role in the team is Education Officer. I came to the Foundation following fifteen very happy years working in education within a Special Needs environment.

After volunteering for over two years I began working for the charity in October 2015.

My role is varied and no two days are the same (which I love). Along with Adam I deliver our Educational workshops in schools up and down the country. I organise and run our ‘Train the Trainer’ days with Sylvia and accompany and support Sylvia travelling all over the country for presentations and events.

I also attend and work on merchandise and awareness stalls at festivals and smaller events, and in between I’m office based organising our stock, and general office duties…whatever is needed!

Alison

Hi, I’m Alison and my background is in working in the arts, education and charities. I first became aware of the Foundation after hearing Simon Armitage’s Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster, on the radio. Sophie’s story has lived with me ever since.

My work at the Foundation is in a development role. I seek collaboration with new partners, fundraise and help to raise our profile. I also attend lots of events with Sylvia, Adam and Dena and it’s great to see our work in action.

We want to continue doing everything we can to help people develop a greater understanding and acceptance of difference and build safer, more tolerant communities for us all.