ACTNow – the wellbeing campaign organised by charity Pharmacist Support – will return this month, aiming to help pharmacy teams address burnout, financial stress and workplace isolation.
Now in its sixth year, ACTNow will run from 20 October to 7 November and encourages pharmacy professionals to allow time for wellbeing, consider the needs of others and take action to support themselves and colleagues.
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The campaign provides employers with resources and tools that have been designed to help create environments where people feel valued and supported.
This year, the focus is on three themes drawn from the latest workforce wellbeing survey carried out in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. These are: connection; personal budgeting and financial support; and navigating change and growth.
The survey found that 87% of pharmacists remain at high risk of burnout. Seventy percent said they had experienced loneliness or isolation in the past six months, with those in community pharmacy (42%) and general practice (40%) more likely to report this than those in hospital pharmacy (32%).
Other pressures affecting wellbeing included work-life balance challenges (49%), financial concerns (47%), lack of support from colleagues or senior staff (47%), and long working hours (34%).
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Forty-one percent of community pharmacists said their mental health was rarely or never prioritised in the workplace.
Danielle Hunt, chief executive of Pharmacist Support, said the survey showed that work-related pressures were taking a ‘serious toll’ on individuals.
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'By focusing on connection, financial wellbeing, and navigating change, we hope to provide timely, practical tools to help people manage these pressures and feel more supported,' she added.
The 2025 campaign is supported by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) and Teva UK. Participants will have access to podcasts, digital resources and practical activities designed for individuals and workplace teams.
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