It’s Student Volunteering Week this week and here at the charity we want to share why, as a student, you should think about becoming a Student Ambassador.
Why volunteer?
Becoming a Student Ambassador for Pharmacist Support is a great opportunity for you network with like-minded people and add significant skills and experience to your CV.
Not only that, evidence also shows giving to others is better for wellbeing. Dr David Hamilton, an organic chemist with an interest in the placebo effect and the science of kindness, says that many scientific studies find that people who volunteer for charities and other organisations are more resistant to depression. The reasons for this are, firstly that the act of giving is altruistic and makes us feel good. Secondly, that volunteering can help us to feel a part of something larger than ourselves; part of a greater whole with a purpose.
Hear from Ayoub about why he decided to become a Student Ambassador for Pharmacist Support
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador?
I was deeply impressed by the organisation’s reputation and values, particularly the charity’s unwavering commitment to supporting pharmacy students as well as working, retired and trainee pharmacists. As a third-year student, I personally faced burnout and mental pressures due to the demanding workload. However, discovering an organisation that is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing provided a sense of relief. I wanted to be part of this impactful organisation and contribute to raising awareness about such a crucial topic.
What have you done so far to raise awareness of Pharmacist Support?
Up until now, I have been mainly working with the Swansea University School of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Society to raise awareness about the various support services available through the charity. This includes promoting the Counselling and Peer Support Service and the Wellbeing Learning Platform. Looking ahead, I want to expand these efforts by organising stands and leveraging social media platforms to reach a wider audience and ensure that more pharmacy students and professionals are aware of the valuable resources offered by Pharmacist Support.
What do you hope to gain from being part of the PS ambassador team?
Being part of the team, I aspire to deepen my involvement in promoting the wellbeing of pharmacy students and professionals. My goal is to actively advocate for practical solutions to the challenges facing the pharmacy profession in order to help create positive changes and build a stronger and more resilient pharmacy workforce.
How can you volunteer for Pharmacist Support?
The free and confidential support the charity offers wouldn’t be possible without a team of dedicated volunteers. As students, you can volunteer as a Student Ambassador for the charity. This role is vital to Pharmacist Support’s work and helps to raise awareness and vital funds.
What you will be doing as an student ambassador
Student Ambassadors are people on the ground at each university. If you join our Student Ambassador team, you could:
- Deliver presentations to your pharmacy school about our charitable support
- Host information stands at events (such as university careers fairs)
- Join the Pharmacist Support team at larger national events
- Write articles to support us with awareness days
- Support with social media by sharing stories and posts about our annual wellbeing campaign #ACTNow
- Organise fundraising events to raise money for our charity.
The Ambassador role is flexible and there are many other ways you could support us.
Meet some of the team!
Olivia
My name is Liv and I’m a 4th year student at the University of Brighton. I like to balance my academic journey with hobbies including hiking, yoga, and water sports which also help with my wellbeing. Becoming a student ambassador for Pharmacist Support aligns with my goal to try to ensure all MPharm students are aware of the help that is available to them throughout their time at university and into their career as pharmacists. As an ambassador, I’m eager to meet pharmacy students from other universities, foster new connections, and acquire new skills for personal and professional growth.
Eva
I’m Eva and I go to Robert Gordon university in Aberdeen, Scotland. I’m a 2nd year MPharm student.
My hobbies outside of university are Muay Thai, gym, crocheting and reading.
I decided to become a student ambassador because I really loved the idea of the charity and I felt it could bring other pharmacy students from around the UK together and I wanted to raise awareness about he charity. I hope to raise more awareness for the charity and meet other like minded student pharmacists and make more friends!
Sawan
I’m a 4th Year MPharm student from University of Reading. My hobbies outside of university include reading, travelling and cycling. I became a student ambassador as I believe the values of this charity align with mine as I also want to create positive impact and environment for those around me. I hope to be able to share and raise awareness on the support that Pharmacist Support can provide to pharmacy students and pharmacists. As a student ambassador I hope to be able to meet other likeminded and driven individuals that are passionate about pharmacy. I also hope to be able to engage students on the assistance that Pharmacist Support can provide to them whether this is through the Wellbeing services or Specialist Advice.
Jae
I’m Jae and I’m an MPharm student at University of Nottingham. My hobbies include hiking, taking my doggies (Tofu & Muffin) for a walk and to a doggie park, organising and cleaning (which is really nice for relieving my stress!), and watching movies. I wanted to volunteer for Pharmacist Support because they offer various services for pharmacy professionals, including pharmacy students, for free, which can make a positive difference in their lives. I wanted to be a part of this amazing team. As a student ambassador for Pharmacist Support, my priority is to raise awareness of the various services offered by Pharmacist Support and to provide resources so that individuals can access the appropriate support when faced with various challenges, whether personal or professional. Additionally, I hope to establish good connections with pharmacy students from different universities and engage with the Pharmacist Support team.
Maria
I am Maria, from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. I am delighted to be part of the team and to interact with other students. I am eager to bring attention to the support and services that Pharmacist support offers to student/qualified pharmacists, which may not be widely known. As a student ambassador, I take great pride in representing this charity as it gives aid in different forms. I am excited to social network with charities, healthcare professionals and other pharmacy fellows.
We’re always recruiting student ambassadors so if this sounds like something you want to be a part of, apply now!
Do you want to volunteer your time to the profession's charity?
Join us and become a student ambassador for Pharmacist Support!
Volunteer now!
