Sector charity Pharmacist Support has announced that its annual ACTNow wellbeing campaign for trainee pharmacists (May 22-26) will provide support for those preparing for the registration assessment in June and for careers in pharmacy.

Partnering with organisations and companies like the Pharmacists’ Defence Association, Boots UK and Locate a Locum, the charity will share resources and activities on topics such as managing anxiety, exam preparation and working as a responsible pharmacist.

It will also team up with the PDA to offer a live workshop titled Get Mentally Prepared for the Assessment.

Pharmacist Support chief executive Danielle Hunt said: “We know just how overwhelming this period can be for trainees managing work and revision. We understand many trainees have anxiety about the upcoming assessment and results, as well as the prospect of the weight of responsibility tht comes with being a registered and responsible pharmacist.

“We recognise too just how challenging these past few years have been for this particular group who have had a disrupted and uncertain pharmacy journey  so far. Through this year’s campaign we aim to alleviate some of their worries and to build confidence. We want to share the stories of others who have experienced challenges in their training, but who have gone on to enjoy successful careers.

“There are many pharmacy leaders now in quite prominent and high profile positions, for example, who didn’t pass on their first or second attempts at the assessment – and they often say that it made them a better pharmacist. We’d love to get people talking more about this if we can.

“We also want to provide support and tools that help trainees to prioritise their wellbeing during this time, that may help them better manage their stresses and anxieties around the assessment and result days.

“Ultimately, we hope through this campaign that our trainees feel better equipped for the journey ahead, whatever path it may be that they take.”

PDA director Paul Day said: “The intensity of learning while also working and caring for patients can present serious challenges for trainees and it is essential that their wellbeing is given the appropriate attention by the individual, and by those around them, such as their colleagues, manager and employer.”

Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson said: “Pharmacists are at the heart of delivering care to patients and customers in their communities and so it’s important that we at Boots look after their wellbeing and the wellbeing of the team that support them. This is especially important for our trainee pharmacists as they take their final step and enter into the profession to play an important role as part of a wider healthcare team in community pharmacy.”

Locate A Locum CEO Jonathon Clarke said: “My advice to anyone sitting the exam is to be confident, ask questions and build relationships with your team. Best of luck to everyone sitting the exam this summer, all your hard work and dedication will be worth it.”