Pharmacist Support launches new wellbeing framework and workplace scheme as ACTNow returns this November
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The Pharmacist ACTNow campaign returns in November 2026, introducing two new initiatives to help pharmacy professionals prioritise their wellbeing and create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.
Pharmacist Support is putting wellbeing firmly in the spotlight this November, with the launch of its new Essential 8 wellbeing framework and Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture (EWWC) scheme as part of its annual Pharmacist ACTNow campaign.
Running from 2–15 November 2026, the free campaign will encourage pharmacists and pharmacy teams across all settings to take positive action for their mental health and wellbeing, support one another and make wellbeing part of everyday working life.
With busy workloads, workplace pressures and responsibilities outside work often competing for attention, finding time for personal wellbeing can be challenging. This year's campaign aims to make taking positive action more achievable, with practical resources and new ways for individuals and organisations to get involved.
Introducing the Essential 8 and EWWC scheme
This year's campaign marks an exciting development in Pharmacist Support's approach to championing wellbeing across the profession, with two new initiatives designed to support positive change for individuals and workplaces.
The Essential 8 wellbeing framework builds on the New Economics Foundation's Five Ways to Wellbeing, providing a practical, pharmacy-focused approach to looking after mental health and wellbeing. Through eight key areas, the framework encourages individuals to reflect on their wellbeing, build positive habits and take small, manageable steps that work for them.
Alongside this, the new Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture (EWWC) scheme encourages pharmacy organisations to take a more proactive and structured approach to workplace wellbeing. It supports organisations to reflect on their existing practices, identify opportunities for improvement and take practical steps towards creating healthier, more supportive working environments.
Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing Development Senior Manager at Pharmacist Support, said:
“Pharmacists and their teams spend so much time caring for others that their own wellbeing can easily take a back seat. We also know that looking after your wellbeing isn't always easy, particularly when you're working in a demanding environment.
“With our Essential Eight framework, we've built on the established Five Ways to Wellbeing by recognising three additional areas that can have a real impact on how we feel – sleep, nutrition and financial wellbeing. We want to help people think about their wellbeing more holistically and recognise that even small changes can make a difference.
“Alongside this, our new EWWC scheme recognises the important role workplaces have in making wellbeing part of everyday working life. By introducing both initiatives through ACTNow, we want to inspire positive action across the profession, recognising that individual wellbeing and workplace culture go hand in hand.”
Small steps can make a big difference
Alongside the launch of these new initiatives, Pharmacist ACTNow 2026 will offer a range of free resources and activities to help participants put wellbeing into practice.
The campaign will feature digital wellbeing resources, interactive activities, episodes of A Dose of Wellbeing podcast and personal stories from pharmacists across the sector.
At its heart are three simple actions: Allow time for wellbeing, Consider the needs of others and Take action.
The campaign encourages everyone to start with manageable steps, recognising that even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Get involved in Pharmacist ACTNow 2026
Pharmacist Support is inviting pharmacists, trainees, pharmacy teams and organisations across the profession to take part in this year's campaign and explore how they can make wellbeing a greater priority.
Sign up for free to Pharmacist Support's e-newsletter to access the ACTNow campaign resources, discover the new wellbeing initiatives and receive ongoing wellbeing information and support.
Find out more and sign up: https://pharmacistsupport.org/campaigns/our-wellbeing-campaigns/pharmacist-wellbeing-campaign/
Thank you to our campaign sponsors
Pharmacist Support is grateful to the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) and Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd for sponsoring Pharmacist ACTNow 2026 and helping make this free wellbeing campaign available to the pharmacy profession.
For further information, interviews or access to imagery please contact Kate Westbrook on 0161 441 0313 or email kate.westbrook@pharmacistsupport.org
Notes to editors:
- Pharmacist Support is the profession's independent charity, providing trusted information, practical resources and confidential support to pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainees and pharmacy students across Great Britain.
- The charity is there throughout their pharmacy journey, helping people look after their wellbeing and navigate life's challenges. Its support spans four key areas: mental health and wellbeing, financial health, workplace wellbeing and study and training, with different ways to access support depending on individual needs.
- Some services, including Listening Friends peer support, are delivered by trained pharmacist volunteers. Their shared professional background gives them a valuable understanding of the pressures and challenges that can come with a career in pharmacy.
- Pharmacist Support relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations, with donations and fundraising helping the charity continue its work across the profession.
- Originally established as The Benevolent Fund of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (now the Royal College of Pharmacy), the charity relaunched as Pharmacist Support in 2008 to better reflect the changing needs of the profession. It became a charitable company limited by guarantee in 2015.
Contacting Pharmacist Support
- Information, practical resources and details of the support available can be found at www.pharmacistsupport.org.
- The easiest way to get in touch with the charity's friendly team is through its online enquiry form. Alternatively, individuals can email info@pharmacistsupport.org or call the information and enquiry line on 0808 168 2233.
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