A new wellbeing framework and workplace scheme has been announced by Pharmacist Support.
As part of the charity’s Pharmacist ACTNow campaign, which returns in November, Pharmacist Support is introducing two new initiatives to help pharmacy professionals prioritise their wellbeing and create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.
The new Essential 8 wellbeing framework and Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture (EWWC) scheme launch during the campaign, which runs from November 2-15. This year’s campaign marks an exciting development in Pharmacist Support’s approach to championing wellbeing across the profession, with the new initiatives designed to support positive change for individuals and workplaces.
The Essential 8 wellbeing framework builds on the New Economics Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing, providing a practical, pharmacy-focused approach to looking after mental health and wellbeing. Through eight key areas, the framework encourages individuals to reflect on their wellbeing, build positive habits and take small, manageable steps that work for them. Alongside this, the new Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture (EWWC) scheme encourages pharmacy organisations to take a more proactive and structured approach to workplace wellbeing. It supports organisations to reflect on their existing practices, identify opportunities for improvement and take practical steps towards creating healthier, more supportive working environments.
Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing Development Senior Manager at Pharmacist Support (pictured), explained: “Pharmacists and their teams spend so much time caring for others that their own wellbeing can easily take a back seat. We also know that looking after your wellbeing isn’t always easy, particularly when you’re working in a demanding environment. With our Essential Eight framework, we’ve built on the established Five Ways to Wellbeing by recognising three additional areas that can have a real impact on how we feel – sleep, nutrition and financial wellbeing. We want to help people think about their wellbeing more holistically and recognise that even small changes can make a difference. Alongside this, our new EWWC scheme recognises the important role workplaces have in making wellbeing part of everyday working life. By introducing both initiatives through ACTNow, we want to inspire positive action across the profession, recognising that individual wellbeing and workplace culture go hand in hand.”
Alongside the launch of these new initiatives, Pharmacist ACTNow 2026 will offer a range of free resources and activities to help participants put wellbeing into practice. The campaign will feature digital wellbeing resources, interactive activities, episodes of A Dose of Wellbeing podcast and personal stories from pharmacists across the sector. At its heart are three simple actions: allow time for wellbeing, Consider the needs of others and Take action.
