The charity’s Student ACTNOW campaign is launching on University Mental Health Day, Thursday 12th March, and offers MPharm students free year-round support, designed around their pharmacy studies.
Pharmacist Support runs its annual Student ACTNow campaign, offering tools to make wellbeing a priority.
On University Mental Health Day, the charity’s campaign is offering every student who signs up on 12th March, a free Mental Health and Wellbeing Virtual Toolbox. It contains guidance and resources aimed at tackling the causes of stress and help students begin a sustainable wellbeing routine.
“University can be an exciting and rewarding time, but it can also bring pressure as pharmacy students balance academic demands and financial pressures, often while thinking ahead to their future careers,” said Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support.
“Student ACTNow is about encouraging small, positive actions that protect mental health now and build resilience for the future. By staying connected with the charity, students can access practical support and guidance throughout their studies and into their professional lives. No one should feel they have to navigate these challenges alone.”
Pharmacy students face pressures linked with academic programmes, placements and preparing for professional registration, and financial stress over fees. Without support, this can become overwhelming, impacting on their mental health.
Student Minds, the UK charity for student mental health, reports that one in three university students experiences poor mental wellbeing, with 30 percent saying their mental health has become worse since starting university.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said, "People experience different pressures at all stages of their pharmacy career and wellbeing should be a priority right from the very start. This survey will help ensure the voices of students, trainees and early career pharmacists are heard and that meaningful support is provided where it’s needed most."
The campaign is supported by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association. “The Pharmacist Support ACTNow initiative helps raise everyone’s awareness of their own wellbeing, and just as importantly that of their colleagues, so that they can take appropriate action,” said Paul Day, Director at the PDA.
Boots is also supporting the campaign, with Claire Nevinson, the company’s Superintendent Pharmacist adding that future pharmacists with the tools to protect their wellbeing strengthens the entire profession. When students thrive, our wider sector will benefit too.”
