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Pharmacist Support launches 2024 ACTNow Campaign: tackling workplace culture, loneliness, and physical health across pharmacy teams

Pharmacist Support is proud to announce the launch of its fifth annual Pharmacist ACTNow Wellbeing Campaign, running from 18th October to 8th November 2024. Building on the success of previous years, this campaign continues to offer vital resources aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of pharmacists and pharmacy teams nationwide.

Since its inception in 2020, ACTNow has evolved from a response to the COVID-19 pandemic into a comprehensive wellbeing initiative that promotes a healthier workplace culture, encourages teamwork, and supports individual self-care. This year’s campaign focuses on three critical themes: workplace culture, loneliness and professional isolation and physical health.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, says, “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. Each week, the campaign will explore one of the core themes, with 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 Hunt adds, “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.”

The ACTNow campaign offers taster resources from the charity’s Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture course, equipping managers with tools to facilitate sensitive conversations in the workplace. 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.

This year, the campaign will also mark the launch of A Dose of Wellbeing: The Pharmacist Support Podcast. Featuring experts and key figures in pharmacy and mental health, the podcast will explore the challenges facing the profession and share 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 Hunt.

Pharmacist Support is grateful for the ongoing support of its ACTNow campaign sponsors—Boots, Teva UK and the PDA. Their sponsorship allows the charity to continue producing and sharing free wellbeing resources, including videos, posters, and wellbeing packs. Teva UK has also sponsored the first two episodes of the A Dose of Wellbeing podcast.

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.

To sign up for the Pharmacist ACTNow Wellbeing Campaign, visit: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/our-wellbeing-campaigns/