The National Pharmacy Association has joined forces with leading charities to launch a public awareness drive of the mental health services provided by community pharmacies.

Partnering with Mind in England and Wales and other mental health charities in Northern Ireland and Scotland, including the Scottish Association for Mental Health, the NPA will also try to raise funds to help their work.

As the initiative coincides with the NPA’s centenary celebrations, the organisation said its fundraising drive will have “a 100 theme” with activities to include 100-mile walks and 100-question quizzes.

“All pharmacists, colleagues, family and friends are being invited to participate either by supporting the NPA’s own set-piece events or by organising their own activities,” the NPA said.

“As a pillar of communities across the UK, pharmacies often take part in charitable fundraising and engage with the voluntary sector in a variety of ways. It can have a positive impact on the reputation of a business and also improves staff morale.”

NPA Board member Raj Aggarwal said: “I am personally looking forward to getting stuck into fundraising activities. Community pharmacy is well placed at the heart of local communities to identify and help those in need of support to maintain good mental health.

“Our message is that community pharmacies are concerned with the wellbeing of the whole person, mind as well as body.”