Pharmacist Support celebrates an impactful 12 months

Pharmacist Support, the charity dedicated to the wellbeing of pharmacists, former pharmacists, their families, trainees, and pharmacy students, has released its 2023 Impact Report, showcasing a year of significant growth and development. The report highlights the charity's successful investment in digital infrastructure, increasing efficiency as well as improving access to their services and support.

In 2023, calls to the peer support scheme Listening friends rose by an impressive 74%, facilitated by the introduction of an online referral form. The number of grants awarded also saw a 23% increase, totalling £193,528, thanks to a new online grants portal.

“This past year has shown the impact our investment in digital has had, enabling easier access to support, information, and advice, helping more individuals, whilst enabling our team to manage demand” said the Chair of Pharmacist Support, Esther Sadler-Williams. 

Pharmacist Support's achievements in 2023 extended beyond digital enhancements. The charity expanded its wellbeing support with the development of a new online course titled 'Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture,' aimed at pharmacy managers, leaders, and supervisors, and a focus on workplace culture in their annual ACTNow wellbeing campaigns targeted at students, trainees and pharmacists. Other notable service use statistics included an uptick in support calls to their specialist addictions counsellor, reflecting an increasing demand for such services. 

"We were also delighted to increase our pool of volunteers," added Sadler-Williams “focusing particularly on student ambassadors to help us improve awareness of our services and support to those at the beginning of their pharmacy journey.” 

Pharmacist Support acknowledges the vital role of support from individuals and organisations across the sector. Sadler-Williams expressed gratitude to key partners, stating, “The donations of our charity partners enabled us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.”

Reflecting on the financial challenges, Sadler-Williams noted, “Although we have spent more on counselling, addiction support, and grants than we had planned, the Board was pleased to continue to facilitate support where it is most needed. However, rising inflation has been a challenge, and coupled with the increased demand for our services, we will continue to work to increase donations in order that we can exist for our beneficiaries in perpetuity.” 

“We are extremely proud of the help we have been able to offer over the past twelve months” said Sadler-Williams. “With 100% of service users saying they would come back to us again if they needed further advice or support in the future, and recognition from our colleagues in the charitable sector in the form of the ‘ACO Small Charity of the Year’ Award, it really brought home to us just what we have been able to achieve."

The 2023 Impact Report underscores the charity’s dedication to expanding its support in response to need and improving the wellbeing of their pharmacy family. As they look ahead, Pharmacist Support remains committed to addressing the growing needs of its beneficiaries and continuing to build on the success of the past year.

To read the full 2023 Impact Report, visit pharmacistsupport.org