The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced its support for the ‘Gift in Wills’ initiative run by Pharmacist Support, coinciding with the charity’s birthday celebrations today (Tuesday 15 April).
This collaboration allows RPS members to create a free will while also helping to safeguard the future of vital support services for the pharmacy profession.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with Bequeathed and provides individuals with access to expert legal advice to secure a professionally drafted Will for Good.
This service not only helps individuals plan for the future but also provides an opportunity to leave a legacy gift, ensuring continued support for pharmacists facing financial difficulty, workplace stress and mental health challenges.
They can choose to allocate even 1% of their estate to the charity, ensuring their loved ones inherit the remainder.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: "We are proud to build on our work with Pharmacist Support and support them with this initiative.”
“By promoting the chance to create a free will to our members, we are not only helping them plan for the future but also encouraging them to support this fantastic charity that does so much to improve and advance the wellbeing of pharmacists."
Pharmacist Support has been providing assistance to pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainees and students for over 180 years.
The demand for its services continues to rise in response to growing pressures on the profession.
In 2024 alone, the charity delivered 439 counselling sessions—up 23% from the previous year—and awarded £192,811 in financial grants, marking a 20% increase overall and a 59% rise in grants specifically to pharmacists.
Its most recent Workforce Wellbeing Survey, conducted in partnership with the RPS, revealed that 87% of pharmacy professionals are at high risk of burnout, with nearly half of the workforce negatively impacted by financial pressures.
Danielle Hunt, chief executive of Pharmacist Support, said: "Pharmacists are facing increasing pressures, from financial struggles to workplace stress, and our services have never been more in demand.”
“By leaving a gift in their will, members of our pharmacy family can help ensure that future generations continue to have a dedicated, independent charity to turn to in times of need. We’re grateful to the RPS for supporting this initiative and helping us build a lasting legacy of support."
To mark its anniversary, the charity has also launched a special birthday donations appeal, calling on individuals and organisations across the sector to support its fundraising campaign to meet the increasing demand for its mental health and wellbeing services.
As a symbolic gesture tied to its founding year of 1841, the charity is encouraging supporters to donate £18.40.
