Pharmacy Wellbeing Service to support Pharmacists launched this Stress Awareness Month

A survey by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Pharmacy Support highlighted the mental health and wellbeing difficulties experienced every day by those working in Community Pharmacy.

76% of respondents experienced stress at work, in addition to 43% commenting that their mental health was not good at the time of survey.

Stress Awareness Month presents a great opportunity for us to check in with ourselves and also for organisations to take a look at their mental health and wellbeing policies and see what improvements can be made for staff.

Our Pharmacy Wellbeing Service, delivered by our Your Health team in partnership with NHS England, Humber Local Pharmaceutical Committee and North Yorkshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee, specifically aims to tackle these issues presented by Community Pharmacists.

This is a dedicated service that will benefit both staff and their families, who live or work in Pharmacy in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire regions.

Stress Awareness Month now feels more important than ever due to the ongoing pressures presented as a result of COVID-19. With over 85% of Pharmacists surveyed stating that the pandemic has affected their mental health and wellbeing, this service is expected to have a vital impact on our communities.

Users of this service will have access to one-to-one online support for a period of up to 12 weeks, focusing on health and wellbeing issues such as mental health, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and weight management.

Anthony Bryce, Health Integration and Public Health Lead at the Humber Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said:

“The mental health and wellbeing of Pharmacy staff is vital and of critical importance. COVID-19 has put a huge strain on staff members working within Community Pharmacy, whom have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, providing a much needed lifeline to individuals regarding medication, medication collection, support and advice throughout the last 12 months.

Community Pharmacies have had their ‘doors open’ throughout this unprecedented situation and continue to put patients at the forefront of their minds. The Pharmacy Wellbeing Service will allow staff to seek support if and when they require it, from a friendly team with years of experience.”

Looking for support?

You can contact Your Health via telephone 0800 9177752 or email hnf-tr.healthtrainers@nhs.net to find out more.

Your Health is a nationally acclaimed service that specialises in working with individuals on a one-to-one basis, providing support and guidance on a range of wellbeing and lifestyle issues, with the added advantage of knowing the local areas throughout the Humber and North Yorkshire localities. 

You can read more about the services Your Health offer in your area here: www.nhs-health-trainers.co.uk