A new campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland for pharmacy teams to provide advice and support to people experiencing anxiety.
It forms part of the ‘Living Well’ service, which is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI, and the Department of Health.
The PHA said it’s “encouraging people to take positive steps to look after their mental health through its latest pharmacy-based Living Well campaign, Managing Anxiety, which will run throughout August and September.”
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The campaign “offers practical tips and skills to help people manage feelings of anxiety along with information on where to find support when it is needed”, the PHA said.
Health and social wellbeing improvement manager at the PHA Alison McCusker said they “want to help people understand that there are practical steps we can all take to support our mental wellbeing”.
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“Small actions, such as staying connected with others, being physically active, practicing calming techniques and making time for activities we enjoy, can all help us feel better equipped to cope,” she said.
A series of short videos on breathing techniques have been developed alongside the campaign to guide people through ways to help with anxiety.
Accessible and familiar
Community pharmacist Rebekah Rea said “community pharmacies are often one of the most accessible healthcare settings for people who may be struggling with their mental health.
“Many people speak to their pharmacist regularly and feel comfortable seeking advice in a familiar environment.”
“Sometimes a conversation is all it takes to help someone realise they are not alone and that support is available,” she added.
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More than 500 community pharmacists across Northern Ireland are involved in the Living Well service, providing “trusted advice and support to local communities”.
“Pharmacists can offer a listening ear, signpost people to relevant services and provide information resources, including leaflets on managing anxiety,” the PHA said.
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It comes after just 30 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland were commissioned to deliver the new MenB vaccine programme that rolled out last Friday (July 31).
And it follows the number of community pharmacies in Northern Ireland hitting its lowest number in a decade, according to data released in June.
