As pharmacy teams you play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential services to communities across the nation. However, the demands of the profession can sometimes take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. That's where Pharmacist Support comes in. As an independent charity, we offer a range of free and confidential services to help individuals navigate challenges and thrive in their careers.
Who we are
Pharmacist Support has been serving the pharmacist profession for over 180 years. Our mission is simple: to champion the wellbeing of pharmacists, trainees, and pharmacy students across Great Britain. Whether you're facing personal or professional challenges, our team of dedicated staff and volunteers is here to provide support and guidance when you need it most.
Although we don’t support pharmacy technicians through our services, there are a range of resources available on our website that the wider pharmacy team are able to access. Pharmacist Support trustees are currently exploring the option of expanding the charity’s beneficiary pool to include pharmacy technicians as part of its strategic review process.
Our services
We understand that everyone's journey is unique, which is why we offer a variety of services that can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of our pharmacy family. These services include:
- an information and enquiry service that is delivered both online through our new website, over the phone and via email. On our website you’ll find information covering a range of topics, including mental health and wellbeing, physical health, family and personal life, finances and work life. The Information and Enquiries team is also on hand to support you with a wide variety of questions and issues.
- a peer support service called Listening Friends that provides the opportunity to speak confidentially over the phone to a pharmacist who understands the pressures of the profession and can provide a listening ear for any stresses or pressures you may be facing.
- a counselling service that provides direct psychological support for those experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, a change in family circumstances, bereavement, and other psychological issues.
- financial assistance to support those struggling to meet their essential daily living expenses due to unexpected financial changes or an unexpected one-off essential living cost.
- specialist advice in employment law for help with employee issues. We also offer debt and benefits advice to help with any debt you may be struggling to manage or with access to benefits you may be entitled to claim.
- addiction support covering a range of dependencies and problems with alcohol and drugs, but also issues relating to eating disorders and gambling.
- a wellbeing service that provides evidence-based, practical information and guidance dedicated to you and your wellbeing needs. On our website you’ll find a range of free resources including videos, workshops and printable posters on topics such as managing stress, anxiety and sleep, connecting with others, understanding your worries and having difficult conversations around mental health.
How to access our services
Accessing support from Pharmacist Support is simple and confidential. Whether you prefer to reach out via our helpline or email, attend a workshop, or explore our online resources, help is just a click or a call away.
To learn more about our services and how to access support, visit our website.
See the Pharmacist Support website
Wellbeing resources and campaigns
In addition to our core services, Pharmacist Support is actively involved in various campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting wellbeing and supporting the pharmacy profession. We're passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues within pharmacy and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
During 2023, we collaborated with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to run our fifth joint annual workforce wellbeing survey. This, alongside our own data, provides a wealth of information giving us a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those studying and working in pharmacy. We use this information to continue to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues within the profession and promote the importance of investment in wellbeing sector-wide.
Wellbeing campaigns
Informed by our research and feedback, the charity runs three flagship wellbeing campaigns across the year. Through the campaign we want to encourage conversations around mental health and wellbeing and provide a safe space and simple solutions to enable those in the profession to take action.
This is why in 2020 we launched ACTNow, our annual wellbeing campaign which, at key points throughout the year, focuses on the specific needs and issues of students, trainees and pharmacists. It encourages individuals to:
- allow time for wellbeing
- consider the needs of others
- take action
Find out more about, and sign up to our ACTNow campaign
Online course: Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture
The charity has recently launched a new online course, Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture, designed to empower pharmacy leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to create a positive and supportive workplace environment.
Through interactive modules and practical strategies, participants will learn how to promote wellbeing and combat burnout within their teams. This is a paid for course and is open to anyone working in pharmacy.
Find out more about Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture
You’re not alone
Life is unpredictable, and many of those we assist did not anticipate needing help from a charity. Whether you're grappling with personal challenges, work-related stress, or financial difficulties, our team is here to provide confidential support and guidance every step of the way- as echoed by those we've supported in the past year:
“I genuinely don’t know if I would be sitting here writing this if it wasn’t for the counselling sessions and financial support.”
“Pharmacist Support helped me see the advantages of my dyslexia, which I now consider my superpower.”
“Pharmacist Support’s Financial Assistance saved me from being homeless.”
Remember, you're not alone – help is just a call or click away.
Reach out
Email us at: info@pharmacistsupport.org
Call us on: 0808 168 2233