Pharmacist Support is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual pharmacist wellbeing campaign, ACTNow, for 2023. This campaign comes in the wake of our successful 2022 initiative, which saw remarkable engagement and made significant strides in raising awareness about wellbeing within the pharmacy profession.

Promoting positive workplace culture, teamwork, and individual wellbeing

ACTNow, initiated in May 2020 in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into a powerful platform promoting positive workplace culture, teamwork, and individual wellbeing. The campaign’s core objectives are to encourage individuals and teams in the profession to prioritise their wellbeing, consider the needs of their colleagues, and take proactive steps towards creating a healthier work environment.

Building upon the success of the 2022 campaign, our 2023 ACTNow campaign will maintain its focus on supporting a positive workplace culture. This year, the campaign will equip individuals, pharmacy teams and employers with valuable tools, resources, and strategies to better support colleagues facing distress while fostering a growth mindset within their teams.

Sharing real-life workplace wellbeing practices that have made a positive impact

“Our 2022 campaign kicked off with a series of ‘Breaking the silence stories’ from individuals across the sector sharing their own experiences with mental health” commented Pharmacist Support Chief Executive, Danielle Hunt. “These personal stories really struck a chord with our pharmacy family.

“This year we want to move the conversation beyond individual mental health stories and highlight real-life workplace wellbeing practices that have made a positive impact. We also want to provide resources that help build trust and address some of the issues that have been highlighted through our research, around stigma. By sharing some of the resources we have developed over the past year as part of our new wellbeing course for pharmacy managers and leaders (due for launch January 2024) we also hope to equip the sector with tools to be able to open up and have those sensitive and sometimes challenging conversations in the workplace.”

This years weekly themes

The 2023 campaign will run for three weeks, commencing on October 16th at the Pharmacy Show and will revolve around the following themes:

• Breaking the Silence (October 16th – 22nd): Sharing stories from pharmacy teams, managers, and individuals across the sector who have actively supported the wellbeing of their colleagues.
• Transforming Your Workplace Culture (October 23rd – 29th): Focusing on content and themes from the charity’s NEW Wellbeing for Pharmacy Managers and Leaders course, including insights and strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
• Prioritizing Yourself (October 30th – November 4th): Offering mental health and wellbeing support tailored to individuals, emphasising the importance of self-care.

Building on the momentum of previous years

In 2022, the ACTNow campaign achieved remarkable milestones, with a 49% increase in sign-ups and a 197% rise in social media engagement compared to the previous year. The campaign garnered over 16,000 website page views, reached a broader audience, including more male pharmacists, and received overwhelming positive feedback, with 88% of participants finding it very useful or useful, and 85% expressing the desire for future campaigns.

Recognising our campaign & charity partners

“The charity aims to build on the momentum of the previous years, and to work collaboratively with employers, managers, and membership bodies to bring about a cultural shift that enhances the wellbeing of the pharmacy community” said Ms Hunt.

“We recognise that partnership working is crucial to the success of the charity’s work, and Pharmacist Support is delighted once again to be working with campaign sponsors Teva UK and the PDA. It is thanks to their continued support that the charity is able to dedicate time and resource to the development of its wellbeing resources (including videos, posters, information and wellbeing in the workplace packs) that are shared for free as part of the campaign.”

We encourage everyone in the pharmacy profession to actively participate in the 2023 ACTNow campaign, share their experiences, and contribute to creating a healthier and more supportive workplace culture.

ACTNow and sign up to the campaign