Pharmacist Support has been working with the BPSA for many years with the joint aim to support pharmacy students throughout their studies and introduce our charity to students at the start of their pharmacy journeys.

This award showcases students who have done great work to ensure their peers stay on top of their wellbeing whilst studying at university. This year’s winner, Niamh, exemplifies everything the award stands for.

Niamh was not only an academic student ambassador but also served as a BPSA and Pharmacist Support ambassador, making her a vital link between students and support organisations. She was widely recognised by her peers and lecturers for her approachability and empathy.

We caught up with Niamh to hear what the award meant to her.

Q. How did you feel when you found out you’d been nominated for the award and then went on to win?

I felt proud and also very honoured. I knew there had been many other deserving nominees and felt very proud of myself for winning an award that holds a lot of meaning. This didn’t feel like winning an award, it felt like an achievement of the work and effort I have made to make wellbeing a priority in my representation of my peers.

Q. Is there a particular mentor or colleague who inspired your journey?

No, there hasn’t been anyone in particular that inspired me. That being said, I have unwavering support from friends and peers. Their support has kept me going in representation. I had many struggles myself and without the help of friends and those around me, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now to try make a difference. Becoming a Pharmacist Support ambassador means I am able to signpost to the correct advice and help which people may need and let them know it is there.

Q. How do you stay motivated during stressful academic periods?

I set myself mini goals, leading to the main goal at the end. These help me keep focused on the end goal and where I want to be. I always like to set an incentive that once I’ve submitted an assignment or finished an exam, I buy myself a sweet treat from a local café – you can never go wrong! Regular breaks are very important for motivation. Knowing when to stop and give yourself a break is just as important for motivation as the moments you need to lock in and study or meet deadlines. That took me a while to learn but once I did it was a game changer.

Q. If you could introduce one wellbeing initiative nationwide for pharmacy students, what would it be?

I would like to see designated mental health first aiders for pharmacy students. These people would have a background in pharmacy and be able to understand us as pharmacy students. Pharmacist Support is an amazing resource and if something like that can be brought physically onto campus for students it would benefit so many more. Animals are always another option, who doesn’t love a cuddle from a fluffy animal!

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering taking on a similar role in their university?

Take the step and put yourself forward. You never know what you can do to help until you try. Your experiences will help you along the way too. Representing your peers and bringing their concerns and needs forward for consideration is so important, not everyone feels comfortable doing that. If you are able, you will help many of those around you. You will be grateful you took the opportunity and those around you will be too.