A charity is encouraging pharmacy employers, training providers and staff to champion trainee wellbeing as part of its annual Trainee ACTNow campaign
The Pharmacist Support campaign, running from 25-27 August, is designed for trainee pharmacists starting their foundation training year
It provides free mental health and wellbeing support to help trainees navigate the challenges of their first year in the profession, including practical guidance and insights from those who have already experienced the foundation year
Pharmacist Support said this year’s campaign will focus on getting the most from the trainee year, financial wellbeing, and thriving in a new team
The charity’s chief executive Danielle Hunt said: ‘Starting the trainee year is a significant transition and, while it’s an exciting time, it can also bring new pressures and uncertainty
‘We want trainees to know that looking after their wellbeing is part of building a healthy and sustainable career in pharmacy.’
Trainees can sign up for Pharmacist Support’s free newsletter to receive the campaign reell as ongoing wellbeing support and relevant re
The charity has urged pharmacy employers, educators and the wider profession to share the Trainee ACTNow campaign with their trainees and encourage them to take advantage of the free support
Ms Hunt added: ‘It’s also important for employers, supervisors and colleagues to recognise the role they can play in supporting trainee wellbeing
‘A simple conversation or sharing a renees feel supported from day one.’
The campaign is sponsored by Boots and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA)
In 2025, the charity said it saw a 31% increase in referrals to its counselling service compared to 2024, with burnout within the profession remaining a concern
Pharmacist Support also received a record number of bursary applications last year and distributed £171,438 across 177 support grants for pharmacists, students and trainees in financial difficulty
The new trainee campaign comes after around 1,000 prescribing pharmacists qualified to join the workforce from the beginning of this month. Leaders have described it as a ‘golden opportunity’ to commission more pharmacy prescribing services on the NHS and shift more care into the community
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