Pharmacist Support – the independent charity dedicated to the pharmacy profession – is celebrating 184 years of service with the launch of a special birthday donations appeal.
On 15 April, the charity is urging individuals and organisations across the sector to support its campaign to raise vital funds to meet the increasing demand for its mental health and wellbeing services.
Founded in 1841, Pharmacist Support provides free and confidential help to pharmacists, trainees, and students facing challenging circumstances.
The charity stated that, as sector pressures continue to rise, the need for its support services has become more critical than ever.
“More and more people across the profession are reaching out for help,” said Danielle Hunt, chief executive of Pharmacist Support.
In the past year alone, referrals for counselling increased by 23%, and there was a 15% rise in the number of individuals supported through the charity’s Listening Friends peer support service – a 72% increase compared to 2020.
“These numbers highlight the growing demand for our services—and donations are essential to helping us continue to meet that need,” Hunt said.
In the charity’s most recent Workforce Wellbeing Survey, conducted in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), 35% of pharmacy professionals rated their mental health as poor or very poor, while 87% were identified to be at high risk of burnout.
Additionally, 56% reported that medicine shortages had negatively affected their wellbeing in the past year.
To commemorate its anniversary, the charity is encouraging supporters to donate £18.40—a symbolic gesture tied to its founding year of 1841.
Supporters are encouraged to get involved in whichever way suits them best:
- Make a one-off donation
- Set up a regular donation to help the charity plan for the future
- Take on a challenge – walk 1.84 miles, run 18.4km, or commit to giving something up
- Fundraise as a team – host a bake sale, quiz night or wellbeing activity with colleagues.
“We’re asking our pharmacy family to come together and show their support,” said Hunt.
“Every donation—no matter the size —helps us continue to be there for those who need us most.”
