Pharmacist Support’s ACTNow campaign is back to tackle key pharmacy issues

The campaign, which was initiated in 2020 in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into a powerful platform promoting positive workplace culture, teamwork, and individual wellbeing. The campaign’s core objectives are to encourage individuals and teams in the profession to prioritise their wellbeing, consider the needs of their colleagues, and take proactive steps towards creating a healthier work environment. 

“Our pharmacy family is always at the heart of everything we do at the charity and, through feedback and ongoing research, we deeply understand the issues affecting people across our profession”, says Danielle Hunt, Pharmacist Support’s Chief Executive. “Every year, we listen to what people tell us they need support with and tailor the campaign to these issues to ensure pharmacists have access to free, relevant wellbeing resources and guidance.” 

This year’s weekly themes 

By signing up to the three-week campaign, participants will receive a wealth of free resources, information and guidance to equip pharmacists, pharmacy teams and employers to stay on top of their workplace and individual wellbeing in three key areas: workplace culture, loneliness and professional isolation, and physical health. They will also hear from fellow colleagues up and down the country who are sharing their own experiences and journeys on personal subjects such as supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues, celebrating Diwali in the workplace, working as a remote pharmacist, and going through IVF treatment.  

“Our recent ACTNow campaigns have focused heavily on sharing stories from people across the profession on key topics like overcoming mental health struggles, supporting colleagues living with disabilities and building positive workplace practices,” continues Ms Hunt. “These stories really strike a chord with our pharmacy family and remind people that, through having open and honest conversations, they are not alone.” 

Campaign participants will also receive free taster resources developed exclusively for Pharmacist Support’s new wellbeing course for pharmacy managers and leaders, Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture. These resources help pharmacy colleagues to open up and have those sensitive and sometimes challenging conversations in the workplace. 

Sneak peak of the new charity podcast 

During the campaign, Pharmacist Support is also launching their brand-new charity podcast series, A Dose of Wellbeing: The Pharmacist Support podcast. The series, which will feature experts and key figures from across the pharmacy and wellbeing sectors, aims to tackle the topics which matter to pharmacy professionals and provide inspirational stories from people who are paving the way for best mental health and wellbeing practices.  

Recognising ACTNow campaign sponsors 

Pharmacist Support recognises that partnerships are crucial to the success of the charity’s work, and Pharmacist Support is delighted once again to be working with campaign sponsors Boots, Teva UK and the PDA. It is thanks to their continued support that the charity can dedicate time and resource to the development of its wellbeing resources (including videos, posters, information and wellbeing packs) that are shared for free as part of the campaign. Teva UK will also be further demonstrating their commitment to pharmacy wellbeing by sponsorship of the first two episodes of A Dose of Wellbeing: The Pharmacist Support podcast.  

How to sign up 

The 2024 ACTNow campaign will run for three weeks from 18th October – 8th November. Pharmacists and pharmacy professionals wishing to take part in the campaign and benefit from the free resources can do so on the Pharmacist Support website or by visiting the charity stand at the Pharmacy Show and CPC North.