For trainee pharmacists, this time of year can often bring added stress and anxiety, and some may feel like their wellbeing is at the bottom of a long list of things to do. This campaign focuses on putting wellbeing into practice and shows how easy it can be to incorporate simple wellbeing activities into your day.
Throughout the week, trainee pharmacists are encouraged to take part in free and simple activities connected to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Strong evidence suggests that mental health and wellbeing can be improved by following these 5 simple steps:
- Connecting with others
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills
- Giving to others
- Taking notice of the present moment.
The PDA and Pharmacist Support want trainee pharmacists to prioritise their health now and throughout their careers and this campaign is a great way to learn how to do that.
Paul Day, PDA Director, said, “We wholeheartedly support this campaign from the profession’s charity, Pharmacist Support. Safeguarding and improving mental and physical wellbeing is a fundamental part of surviving the world of work, but we understand why hard-working pharmacists may sometimes find other priorities absorb all of their time and energy. We encourage trainee pharmacists across the sector to engage with this initiative and look after their whole self.”
Trainee pharmacists might want to set themselves the challenge of trying something this week or over the next few weeks that links to the steps. Perhaps this could include meeting a friend for a catch-up, going outside for a walk, or trying a new class at the gym. Others might find helping out a family member or a charity who do work that they care about helps or just taking ten minutes to look around and notice the elements of life that are good or make them happy.
To help with concentrating on wellbeing, Pharmacist Support offers all trainee pharmacists access to a range of support and resources. By signing up to the campaign trainee pharmacists will be able to access exclusive resources including:
- Revision tools to help prepare for the assessment
- Trainee-specific wellbeing videos on topics such as anxiety
- A Workplace Wellbeing Pack full of wellbeing information and practical material specifically to support the transition of becoming a fully qualified pharmacist
- Invitation to a live trainee wellbeing session with Pharmacist Supports resident wellbeing expert
- A live exercise session to help prioritise being active and connect with other trainee pharmacists
- Stories and video blogs from other trainee pharmacists
- Much, much more!
Pharmacist Support is an independent charity providing a wide variety of free and confidential support services to those working and studying in pharmacy. Learn more about Pharmacist Support here.
Get involved
- Trainee pharmacists can sign up for the ACTNow campaign here.
- Find out more about the ACTNow campaign and how to get involved here.
Related links
- Help Pharmacist Support to help the profession – including exam candidates
- How can Pharmacist Support help you?
- PDA donations to Pharmacist Support surpass £110,000 and pharmacists are encouraged to consider making a New Year pledge to the charity
- Each year the PDA donates £1 per member to Pharmacist Support
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.