Shireen Forster

Founder and Trustee of Forster Charity, with a strong background in humanitarian work and a deep commitment to improving maternal health.

School in Kashmir — Pakistan, June 2020

The Heart Behind the Mission

From a young age, Shireen Forster was driven by a deep desire to make a difference. At 17, she began volunteering with Noah’s Ark Charity, where she gained early insight into the realities of humanitarian work. Her passion for helping others continued to grow, and in 2018 she became a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police, developing key life skills and a deeper understanding of the diverse communities in London.

That same passion took her further in 2020, when she led a project to build a school in Panjkot—a region still recovering from the 2005 earthquake. Believing in the power of education to uplift lives, she focused on creating safe learning spaces for children under 10, helping shape brighter futures.

A Personal Tragedy Sparks a Global Mission

Tragedy struck close to home when Shireen’s cousin, Serena, lost her life—along with her newborn—due to medical negligence at a hospital in Romford. This devastating loss, covered by BBC News and other media outlets, highlighted the vulnerabilities in even well-equipped healthcare settings and ignited a fire within Shireen.

Determined that no family should endure such heartbreak, Shireen founded Forster Charity, an organisation dedicated to preventing maternal deaths by ensuring that women worldwide have access to safe childbirth environments.

The charity’s initiatives are a tribute to Serena’s memory, striving to protect mothers and their babies by providing the necessary medical care and support.

Strengthening Local Networks

Beyond observing conditions, our visit allowed us to build trust with frontline staff and understand the challenges from their perspective. These conversations laid the groundwork for future collaboration with hospitals and government health teams.

Listening to Frontline Voices

Midwives and staff shared stories of everyday struggles—overcrowded wards, delayed care, and avoidable risks. Their insights shaped our understanding of what real, lasting support should look like on the ground.

What Makes Safe Start Different

Unlike one-time aid drops, Safe Start Boxes are part of a long-term strategy. Designed with input from local healthcare workers, each kit fills specific gaps that hospitals consistently face—supporting safe deliveries in the most high-risk areas.

Strengthening Local Networks

Listening to Frontline Voices

What Makes Safe Start Different

On the Ground in Sierra Leone

In April 2023, our team travelled to Sierra Leone to deepen our understanding of the maternal health crisis. From Freetown to Port Loko, we witnessed the immense challenges faced by healthcare workers and the resilience of mothers giving birth in unsafe, under-resourced conditions. With support from the UK embassy, we met with government health officials—including an interview with Francis Moses from the Ministry of Health—to explore how Forster Charity could play a role in driving real change.

Our visit to PCMH Hospital marked a turning point. There, we saw both the urgency of the situation and the dedication of staff striving to improve maternal care. Meetings with Rebecca, director of Aberdeen Women’s Center and other facilities highlighted the ongoing need for sustainable support—strengthening our resolve to deliver targeted, life-saving kits where they’re needed most.

Freetown — Sierra Leone, April 2023

Rawalpindi Orphanage — Pakistan, February 2021

Shireen’s Mission with Rawalpindi Orphanage

Shireen raised over £5,000 to support an orphanage in Rawalpindi, specifically to improve its medical facilities.

Operating for over 100 years, this orphanage provides a home and education to children without families. However, as the number of children in need grows, public support is critical to improve education and living conditions.

Shireen continues to support this orphanage annually, ensuring the sustainability of its services.

Education in Panjkot

Set in the rugged terrains of Panjkot, the project faced harsh conditions. But with focus and perseverance, we delivered education where it was most needed—supporting children’s development in an area long underserved after the 2005 earthquake.

Supporting Women & Culture

Beyond the classroom, we uplifted local women through craft. Traditional ‘Waguv’ mat weaving was revived not only as a cultural symbol but also as a source of warmth, storage, and income during the region’s cold winters.

Rebuilding for the Future

What started as a fragile shelter became a resilient, three-room school built to withstand earthquakes. This transformation brought long-term stability, turning hope into a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Education in Panjkot

Supporting Women & Culture

Rebuilding for the Future

Building Futures in Kashmir

In the remote region of Panjkot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, our Carrott Kids Project became a source of hope for children impacted by the 2005 earthquake. With a £20,000 budget, we built five classrooms to serve up to 200 children. The curriculum combined literacy, arts, and traditional craft skills to support well-rounded development despite ongoing challenges.

We also empowered local women by supporting traditional crafts like ‘Waguv’ mat weaving, preserving cultural heritage while offering practical benefits. What began as a temporary shelter transformed into a three-room, earthquake-resistant school—turning a once-unstable space into a safe, lasting environment for future generations.

School in Kashmir — Pakistan, June 2020

“My Journey is one of passion, resilience, and commitment to improving lives worldwide. Whether through education, orphan care, or maternal health, Forster Charity continues to be a force for positive change.”

Shireen Forster, Founder & Trustee

Personal Experiences

Read more about Shireen Forster’s personal experiences that shaped her journey as a philanthropist.