Pharmacist Support launches 2024 ACTNow Campaign

The charity encourages pharmacists to join the three-week campaign to support mental health and wellbeing across the profession

Pharmacist Support has announced the launch of its fifth annual Pharmacist ACTNow Wellbeing Campaign, set to run from 18 October to 8 November 2024.

This year’s campaign will focus on three critical themes: workplace culture, loneliness and professional isolation, and physical health.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, emphasises: "Our pharmacy family is at the heart of everything we do. Through ongoing research and feedback, we understand the challenges facing people across the profession.

“This year’s ACTNow campaign is designed to meet these evolving needs, offering free, accessible wellbeing resources that address key concerns."

Participants who sign up for the three-week campaign will gain access to a range of free resources, including practical guidance for managing workplace wellbeing and creating supportive environments.

This is especially important as 45% of pharmacy owners identified staff wellbeing as one of their top three concerns in the recent Community Pharmacy England pressures survey.

Each week will focus on one of the core themes, featuring stories from pharmacy professionals nationwide. These personal experiences will cover important topics such as celebrating Diwali in the workplace, working as a remote pharmacist, and undergoing IVF treatment.

Reflecting on the campaign’s impact, Danielle says, "Over the past few years, we’ve seen that these stories really resonate with our pharmacy family. By having open conversations, we’re helping to remind people that they are not alone in their struggles."

Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACTNow has grown into a comprehensive wellbeing initiative that promotes a healthier workplace culture, encourages teamwork, and supports individual self-care.

A highlight of this year’s campaign will be the introduction of A Dose of Wellbeing: The Pharmacist Support Podcast. Featuring experts and key figures in pharmacy and mental health, the podcast will explore the profession’s challenges, sharing stories of resilience and best practices for wellbeing.

"We’re thrilled to introduce our new podcast during ACTNow. It’s another way for us to engage with the pharmacy community and provide inspiration and guidance on the topics that matter most," says Danielle.

The ACTNow campaign is supported by Boots, Teva UK and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA).

Pharmacists are encouraged to sign up for the 2024 ACTNow Wellbeing Campaign through the Pharmacist Support website or by visiting the charity’s stand at the Pharmacy Show or CPC North.