Get to Know Us
Forster Charity
About Us
Forster Charity is a non-profit organisation rooted in a personal story of loss and a passion to bring about change. Founded by Shireen Forster, our mission pivoted from education to maternal and neonatal healthcare after realising the integral connection between the two.
From Education to Healthcare
Our journey began when Shireen rebuilt an earthquake-stricken primary school in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. But it soon became clear that ensuring the right to education also meant safeguarding the right to a safe birth.
Our Guiding Principle
Ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to enter this world and an equal footing to thrive in it. We focus on safeguarding the initial stages of life, ensuring every mother and newborn gets the necessary care
The Story That Inspires Us Every Day
The phone rang with a joyous tone that day. It was Serena, Shireen’s dear cousin and closest friend, her voice brimming with excitement, “Shireen, my little baby girl is coming. I’m on my way to the hospital.” Thrilled and eager to embrace the newest member of their family, Shireen rushed to be by her side. But instead of the anticipated joyous celebrations, Shireen was met with a scene that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Within a span of a few hours, both Serena and her precious baby were gone.
This wasn’t just news—it was a personal tragedy. An event so devastating that it was covered by BBC News among other media. For Shireen, this loss was not just about family; it was a stark realization. If such a tragedy could occur in the well-equipped healthcare environment of the UK, how perilous must childbirth be for women in less fortunate parts of the world?
From that heart-wrenching day, the mission of Forster Charity became clear. Serena’s memory became the charity’s driving force, motivating Shireen and everyone involved to ensure that no other mother or child would face such dire circumstances.
Every initiative, every project, every effort by Forster Charity is a testament to Serena’s memory and a pledge to safeguard mothers and newborns everywhere.
Making a Tangible Difference
We provide support to women in areas without basic birthing facilities. Using Safe Delivery kits, we enhance birthing conditions where standard care isn’t possible. Our educational initiatives empower communities for sustained improvements in maternal and neonatal health.
Our Daily Commitment
In Serena’s memory, we’re dedicated to preventing tragedies in impoverished regions. We facilitate improved pregnancy and infant care, educate women and healthcare workers, and expand healthcare accessibility through digital means.
Our Vision for the Future
We see a future where all mothers and newborns have essential healthcare access. Our upcoming projects include sustainable energy-powered maternal health facilities and drone medication deliveries in remote areas. We are continuously seeking innovative strategies to ensure safer childbirth and accessible maternal care.
Collaborative Endeavours
We’re exploring innovations in digital healthcare with potential partners like PartnerPro. While our collaboration is still in the developmental stage, their expertise holds the potential to redefine our remote healthcare approaches.
Through initiatives like drone delivery systems and digital health education platforms, we aim to surmount distance and infrastructural challenges, ensuring every individual receives life-saving care.
Join Our Movement
Every step we take, every initiative we launch, and every life we touch is driven by a profound commitment to ensuring safer births and better futures. We invite you to be a part of our journey, to share our vision, and to join hands in creating a world where every child is given the chance they deserve.