'Food connects us all' - West Midlands gynae-health charity releases bright re-brand with focus on 'culture and community'
A West Midlands gynaecological health charity has rebranded to focus on what binds communities together under their support.
Cysters, which launched in Birmingham back in 2015, is a leading grassroots charity advocating for equitable healthcare for menstrual, mental, maternal, and menopausal health.
The group have provided support groups and events for those struggling with reproductive health conditions. They also work with researchers to improve diversity in studies that would have otherwise struggled to reach minority groups.
Now, the charity, which had a grey and pink them, have now unveiled their latest rebrand to celebrate what binds their diverse communities together.
The new visual identity features a vibrant orange colour palette and playful, culturally symbolic fruit illustrations that represent deep health connections across cultures and serve as bridges to start difficult, taboo conversations.
Founder Neelam Heera-Shergill said: “In every culture, food is central and so are our Cysters events and socials.
"And through something as simple as fruit stickers — familiar, nostalgic, shared — we can open up conversations about reproductive health, cultural stigma, and healing. Our new brand is rooted in radical love and designed to educate, advocate, and empower.
“We’re still the same Cysters — grassroots, bold, and led by lived experience. But now, we’re doing it with an identity that’s unmistakably ours, unapologetically vibrant, and deeply rooted in radical care.”
Each of Cysters' four focus areas is represented by a specific fruit illustration:
Menstrual Health – Cherries, symbolising romance, virginity, and fertility
Mental Health – Mangoes, representing joy, friendship, and mood regulation
Maternal Health – Pomegranates, standing for fertility and abundance
Menopausal Health – Nuts, rich in healthy fats vital during pregnancy and menopause
Others include: a chilli for Reproductive Power etc.
The news comes after Cysters launched the Maternity Justice Network at Irwin Mitchell Birmingham in May.
The event marked the beginning of a region-wide movement to address the deep-rooted injustices in maternity care across the West Midlands.
The Maternity Justice Network was created to bring together healthcare professionals, doulas, researchers, birth workers, grassroots advocates, and people with lived experience. Its aim: to break down silos, amplify unheard voices, and take tangible action against the inequalities affecting maternity outcomes in their communities.
Speaking about the launch, Neelam wrote: "Birmingham is where I experienced my own traumatic birth. It’s a city with the highest maternal inequalities in the UK—and what better place to start building something truly collaborative?
"We need to move beyond isolated efforts. This network is about coming together to reshape maternity care with community, compassion and justice at its core."
Sara Burns, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, added: "At Irwin Mitchell, we understand the lifelong impact of poor maternity care.
"Supporting this network aligns with our mission to promote safety, dignity and justice for families. We were honoured to host the launch and look forward to seeing this network grow."
