'We gave hundreds of boxes of baby milk to struggling families in the West Midlands - it broke my heart, no parent should be fighting this hard to feed their baby'
The founder of a health charity based in the West Midlands has spoken of her heartbreak after meeting parents in desperate need of formula for their children so close to the festive season.
Cysters, a grassroots UK charity that supports and raises awareness around menstrual, maternal and mental health, gave out free baby milk to struggling families at The BRIG Cafe and The Warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham 'without judgement' on December 10.
The charity, which was founded in the city back in ten years ago 'handed out around £4,677 worth of formula placed directly into the hands of parents feeling the strain of rising costs'.
The collection included 150 boxes of Bonya First Infant Milk, 108 boxes of Bonya Follow-On Milk and 480 Kendamil ready-to-drink bottles.
Founder Neelam Heera-Shergill claims the supply of baby formula was 'gone within hours' and that it 'broke her heart' to see so many families struggling to feed their babies.
She said: "We donated a large batch of baby milk this week… and it was gone within hours. That broke my heart.
"Families are struggling more than they ever should, and it’s sad that this kind of support is even needed.
"I’m grateful we could help, but I wish we could do more and we need more partners to make that happen. If you can support this work, please reach out.
"No parent should be fighting this hard to feed their baby."
A post on the Cysters Facebook page said: "We’ve just donated hundreds of baby milk essentials to families who needed support the most, no barriers, no hoops, just community care in action. This collection included:150 boxes of Bonya First Infant Milk, 108 boxes of Bonya Follow-On Milk, 480 Kendamil ready-to-drink bottles.
"That’s around £4,677 worth of formula placed directly into the hands of parents feeling the strain of rising costs. This is more than donation work. It’s dignity. It’s breathing space.
"It’s making sure babies are nourished and parents aren’t choosing between feeding themselves or feeding their child. Support like this changes lives, especially for racialised families and single parents navigating inequality every single day.
"If you want to back our next formula drop, partner with us, or fund long-term impact, our DMs are open. Let’s keep showing what real community looks like."
Many members of the community took to the comments to show their support for the initiative. One user said: "Huge well done - esp during a cost of living crisis when so many families are struggling. Thank you for supporting those who really need it."
Another commented: "Well done Neelam! It’s really alarming how much this is needed!" A third added: "Well done Neelam and team."
