By Neil Trainis

Pharmacist Support has said it has seen a big increase in the number of people visiting its website for assessment-related information and counselling services in the past week following last week’s exam fiasco.

The charity told Independent Community Pharmacist that visits to its counselling and peer support pages rose by 163 per cent while searches for assessment guidance increased by 35 per cent.

Pharmacist Support said the number of enquiries it has received from trainees “has not been especially high yet” but it is bracing itself for a busy next few weeks.

“It may be that individuals are focused on seeking professional support to ensure they understand practically what their options are now,” the charity told ICP.

“Dealing with and processing the stress and anxiety from this experience may come later and we urge any trainees struggling with any non-urgent wellbeing related issues to reach out for support.”

It said that although it had not yet received any direct approaches from trainees for financial help, individuals had visited its website to look for information and download its grants application form.

When asked what kind of mental health support trainees had contact Pharmacist Support for, the charity said: “There have been a variety of issues discussed, some of which were mental health-related and individuals have been referred on to our Listening Friends and counselling services.

“None of the trainees we have spoken to yet have expressed feeling suicidal. We would recommend anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or requiring more urgent assistance to contact the Samaritans, their GP or to visit their local A&E.”

Pharmacist Support urged trainees to visit its website for counselling, information and resources and peer support services.