Wednesday 15th of April marks an important milestone in the profession, it is the 185th anniversary of the launch of the pharmacists charity.
Pharmacist Support is the profession’s independent charity, providing confidential financial, emotional and wellbeing support to pharmacists, trainees, students and their families facing challenging circumstances.
Since 2017, every year, the PDA has been donating £1 per member to support its important work. In this last financial year alone, this has generated in excess of £41,000, resulting in more than £340,000 of donations to date, which makes the PDA the charity’s largest regular institutional supporter.
With the charity reaching an important milestone and to celebrate its 185th birthday, as a demonstration of its commitment, the PDA will double its donation from £1 to £2 per new or renewing member for one month.
PDA Chairman Mark Koziol said.
“Typically, the PDA supports pharmacists in more than 5,000 situations each year, and we know that whether its caused by work related burnout, an employment dispute a regulatory episode, a brush with the law or a claim for compensation a lot of pharmacists find it difficult to cope with the stress of facing an unexpected crisis in their practice.
We are serious about looking after pharmacists and we place extraordinary value upon our partnership with Pharmacist Support. Even though the PDA can help a pharmacist through a career changing episode, many pharmacists also need other support to help deal with the emotional and financial impact. When that becomes apparent, the PDA refers members to Pharmacist Support so that they can receive one of the many benefits of this amazing organisation such as counselling sessions, grants, wellbeing interventions and access to the listening friends scheme.”
The PDA encourages other pharmacy organisations to step up and make a regular contribution to supporting the work of the charity.
“It is vital to recognise that the work of this important charity relies on donations and so on the occasion of this important 185th year milestone, we challenge pharmacy employers and other pharmacy organisations to also become regular financial supporters.”
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said:
“Every day we hear from people across our pharmacy family who are navigating pressure, uncertainty and personal challenges. Our role is to be there when it matters most; providing support, reassurance and a safe space to talk.
As we mark our anniversary, we’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of the PDA and our other partners and supporters across the wider profession. Their commitment helps ensure that no one has to face difficult times alone.”
Danielle Hunt added:
“We wouldn’t be able to deliver all that we do without the generosity of our supporters. If you’re able to give, you’ll be helping us continue to be there for our pharmacy family, now and in the future.”
To make a donation and see how your support is making a difference across the pharmacy community, visit: pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate.
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.