The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has launched a new five-year workforce wellbeing strategy to “enhance the mental health, financial resilience and overall wellbeing of pharmacists across the UK”, it announced this week (March 10).

The initiative is set to include a programme of online and in-person events exclusive to members in partnership with Pharmacist Support, the Mental Wealth Academy and PG Mutual.

The programme will feature:

• Mental health awareness courses
• Mental health leadership training
• Quarterly forums for mental health workplace champions
• Financial health resilience courses

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PDA chair Mark Koziol said he is “proud” to launch the “Mental Health, Wellbeing and Financial Resilience Strategy 2025-2030” coming off “a track record of backing policy commitments with real action”, such as paying £1 of every PDA membership fee to Pharmacist Support every year.

“The time has now arrived for us to do even more,” Koziol added. “This strategy demonstrates how we commit more tangible resources to fostering a culture of greater compassion, resilience and proactive support, allowing pharmacists to focus on what they do best: caring for patients.”

“No cost to members”

“By examining best practices worldwide and consulting with health, wellbeing and financial resilience experts we have been able to put together a series of services at no cost to members that will help us create a more compassionate, empowered and supportive workplace environment,” Koziol said.

“Our hope is to build a future where every pharmacist feels empowered not only to perform their role effectively but also to lead a balanced fulfilling life,” he added.

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The strategy outlines seven strategic objectives, which include promoting a culture of wellbeing, providing support and leadership, building strategic partnerships and advocating for equitable environments and better financial outcomes.

The PDA said the strategy builds on the NHS workforce plan as well as the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030” and the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP) workforce development plan.

“A real difference”

Mental Wealth Academy founder and chief executive Harpreet Chana said she is “absolutely delighted” to contribute to the PDA’s pharmacy wellbeing initiative and is excited to work on a “practical programme” that will “make a real difference”.

“Having coached individuals within pharmacy for over six years, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that working on these skills can have on not just wellbeing, but mindset and career progression too,” she said.

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PG Mutual chief executive Andy Elkington said the insurance company is partnering with the PDA to help members “improve their financial health” as well as to “offer guidance and affordable solutions, including discounted income protection”.

And Pharmacist Support chief executive Danielle Hunt said she welcomes the strategy that will complement the sector charity’s “existing services with additional tools and resources”.

“It’s encouraging to see another organisation taking such proactive action…and we look forward to continuing to work together to turn these ambitions into meaningful action that benefits pharmacists across the profession,” she added.