Pharmacist Support celebrates its 185^th birthday today and has thanked supporters for donating to its services that support pharmacists.

The charity’s chief executive Danielle Hunt said Pharmacist Support hears from “people across our pharmacy family who are navigating pressure, uncertainty and personal challenges” every day.

It offers free and confidential support to pharmacists, students and trainees.

“We wouldn’t be able to deliver all that we do without the generosity of our supporters,” Hunt said.

Read more: £700k awarded to support pharmacists in last five years

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) is marking the charity’s 185^th birthday by doubling its donation to Pharmacist Support for every new and renewing member joining the PDA over the next month.

Since the PDA partnered with Pharmacist Support in 2017, it has donated over £342,000 to the charity by donating £1 for every one of its members each year, but it will now donate £2 per member for the next month.

PDA chair Mark Koziol said pharmacists and students “need support throughout their careers” and hopes doubling the donation will “enable Pharmacist Support to do even more”.

Read more: Ostrich egg sized lumps and sponsored walks... pharmacy fundraisers!

“It is time for other pharmacy organisations to join us in making a substantial financial contribution,” Koziol added.

Hunt said the charity is “incredibly grateful for the continued support of the PDA, our other partners and supporters across the wider profession” and the contribution “helps ensure that no one has to face difficult times alone”.

Pharmacist Support has set a target of raising £1m over four years to continue to provide its services to pharmacists, which includes counselling, peer support, financial assistance and practical wellbeing resources.

Read more: Student champion on navigating the daunting challenge of graduating in pharmacy

It comes as the charity opened its student bursary scheme for students entering their final year of the MPharm in September 2026 who need “vital financial help” to finish their degrees, with the scheme open until April 20.

In November, C+D spoke to Pharmacist Support about what pharmacists can do to recover unpaid fees.