As part of the campaign – which runs from today (May 25) until June 1 – the charity is inviting trainee pharmacists to join a live workshop, where a panel will address the most frequently asked questions and share tips “on the challenges and anxieties trainees often face at this time of year”.

GPhC exam candidates can sign up to the “Allow time for wellbeing, Consider the needs of others and to Take action!” – or ACTNow – campaign to gain access to free resources.

These include activities centred around topics such as managing anxious thoughts and preparing for the exam, the charity said

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Pharmacist Support CEO Danielle Hunt revealed that the charity “sees a large spike in contact from trainees around assessment time”.

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“Having a campaign dedicated to supporting this group during this particularly challenging time will, we hope, help them manage these pressures and worries and feel better equipped for the journey ahead,” Ms Hunt added.

Partnerships with employers and PDA

The ACTNow campaign is backed by Boots, Well Pharmacy and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA).

Their funding enables Pharmacist Support “to respond to need and develop resources targeted to the specific issues and challenges” trainee pharmacists experience, the charity said.

Boots chief pharmacist Marc Donovan said supporting the wellbeing of the multiple’s team members as well as pharmacists at the beginning of their career is “hugely important”.

Meanwhile, Well's people development manager Jessica Hall said the multiple “felt it was important to sponsor” the ACTNow campaign “to ensure the messaging and support they provide reaches as many trainees as possible”.

PDA director Paul Day added that it is “essential” for trainees, as well as “their colleagues, manager and employer” to give “appropriate attention” to their wellbeing.

“The intensity of learning while also working and caring for patients can present serious challenges for trainees,” he explained.