Pharmacist Support launches Walk for Wellbeing: 97 for 97 fundraising campaign

This September, our profession’s charity, Pharmacist Support, is inviting the pharmacy sector to come together for Walk for Wellbeing: 97 for 97, a fundraising challenge that will help ensure pharmacists, trainees and students don’t have to face life's toughest moments alone. The challenge is simple; Walk 97 kilometres or complete 97,000 steps throughout September and ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.  

Why 97? 

97% of people working and studying in pharmacy say they'll need help from Pharmacist Support at some point in their lives. But behind that statistic are real people - colleagues, peers and friends. People coping with grief, anxiety, financial hardship, homelessness, workplace bullying, domestic abuse and many other challenges. The Charity is there for those moments. It provides independent, confidential support to pharmacists, trainee pharmacists and pharmacy students across Great Britain, covering mental health and wellbeing, financial health, workplace wellbeing and studying and training.  

However, as pharmacy pressures increase, so does demand for the Charity’s support. Last year alone, referrals to its counselling and peer support services increased by 24%. 

By taking part in Walk for Wellbeing: 97 for 97, fundraisers will be helping to ensure Pharmacist Support is there for the 97% who needs them. 

Every donation makes a difference  

The money raised will help the Charity continue to provide vital support to its beneficiaries when they need it most. Every sponsorship donation, no matter the size, could help Pharmacist Support:  

• fund confidential counselling to protect someone's mental wellbeing  
• provide emergency grant support during financial difficulties  
• fund specialist advice to help someone manage debt or access benefits  
• train volunteers to support pharmacy professionals in distress  
• help someone cover essential living costs during a time of crisis.  

Pharmacist Support’s Chief Executive, Danielle Hunt, says: “Our pharmacy family spends every day caring for others, but sometimes they need someone to care for them too. Walk for Wellbeing: 97 for 97 is an opportunity to come together as a profession to make a real difference. By taking part, you'll be helping us meet the growing demand for our services, enabling us to continue offering independent, confidential support to those who need it most, now and in the future."  

How to get involved in the fundraising challenge  

Fundraisers can choose to walk 97km or 97,000 steps during September. They can spread the challenge across the month, fit walks around work, save walks for the weekend, make every step count during their daily routine, walk alone or walk with colleagues, friends or family. However people choose to take part, every step, every mile and every donation will help make life-changing impact and ensure charitable support is there whenever it's needed for people across the profession.  

Please get behind the charity’s efforts this September and take meaningful steps towards a future where the 97% who need its support are never alone. For more information and to take on a Walk for Wellbeing fundraising challenge, visit pharmacistsupport.org.  

*Statistic from Pharmacist Support’s 2019 Market Research, Confronting the pharmacy facts:- the challenges & support needs.