What we do
Cysters exists to close the gap in reproductive and mental health care by combining community action, creative engagement, and evidence-based research. Our work spans every stage of life menstrual, maternal, menopausal, and mental health, because no one should be left without support.
Food sits at the heart of our approach. Across many cultures, food is more than nourishment: it is tradition, conversation, and community care. By weaving food & shared meals into our programmes, we create spaces where people feel welcome and seen, in familiar settings. From community iftars to chai and chat workshops, food helps us break down stigma, start honest conversations, and build trust. This focus on culture and connection makes it easier to discuss subjects often hidden in silence, while honouring the identities of the people we serve. Through this blend of cultural connection & creative dialogue, Cysters brings people together to drive lasting change.
Our areas of focus
Menstrual Health
Cherries
We tackle taboos, advocate for equitable care, and raise awareness of conditions that are often ignored. The cherry, often tied to purity, shame, or romance, is reclaimed as a bold symbol of body autonomy, empowerment, and pleasure.
Mental Health
Mangoes
We break the silence around depression, anxiety, and trauma, especially where stigma prevents open conversation. Shared in joy, the mango reflects sweetness, friendship, and connection, reminding us that mental wellbeing is nourished in community.
Maternal Health
Pomegranates
We support people through pregnancy, birth, baby loss and abortion, while addressing systemic inequalities in maternity care. Across cultures, pomegranates represent fertility, abundance, and family. Their many seeds symbolise potential, growth, and legacy.
Menopausal Health
Nuts
We amplify stories, tackle shame, and ensure diverse experiences of menopause are recognised and supported. Grounding and nourishing, nuts represent strength, resilience, and the wisdom of our elders, journeys too often left unspoken.
What we do
Public Education
We raise awareness and improve understanding of menstrual, maternal, mental, and menopausal health issues breaking taboos and challenging silence.
Community Empowerment
We equip individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their health and treatment. Recognising our limits, we collaborate with trusted organisations to ensure holistic, culturally competent care.
Cultural Advocacy
We work to dismantle the cultural misogyny that surrounds reproductive and mental health, as well as chronic illnesses, ensuring those who’ve been silenced feel seen and supported.
How do we do this?
Cysters works to close the gap in reproductive and mental health care by combining community action, creative engagement, and evidence-based research. Our programmes span the full spectrum of menstrual, maternal, menopausal, and mental health, ensuring that no stage of life is left out.
Community Events & Workshops
Low-cost, welcoming sessions that blend education with creativity, from “Chronically Creative” art workshops to inclusive discussions on fertility, menopause, and maternal wellbeing.
Resource Distribution: Free provision of essential items such as menstrual products, baby formula, and maternity supplies, reducing immediate hardship and financial strain.
Community-Led Research & PPIE: Training and paying community members to shape academic research, lead focus groups, and ensure projects reflect real lived experience.
Training & Consultancy: Corporate and organisational workshops on workplace health, accredited Mental Health First Aid training, and tailored consultancy to help partners address health inequalities.
Advocacy & Policy Influence: From the Maternity Justice Network to national speaking engagements, we push for systemic change and culturally competent care.
Our Impact
This Impact Report celebrates a year of growth, collaboration, and community power for Cysters. Our work sits at the intersection of menstrual, maternal, menopausal and mental health. This report shares the stories, numbers and lessons behind that impact. It highlights the creativity of our workshops, the reach of our baby-formula and menstrual-product distributions, and the growing influence of our community-led research model. Most importantly, it reflects the trust and energy of the people who make this work possible, participants, volunteers, partners, and funders.