Why wellbeing can’t wait: supporting Trainee Pharmacists from day one

With thousands of trainees embarking on their foundation training year as we speak, we recognise that it’s one of the most significant and demanding stages in a pharmacist’s career. It’s a time of immense personal and professional growth, yet it can also be a period marked by uncertainty, pressure and isolation. That’s why we believe it’s crucial to offer consistent, meaningful mental health and wellbeing support to trainee pharmacists, not just at times of crisis, but throughout their entire foundation year.

A year of transition and challenge

The transition from pharmacy student to practising professional can feel overwhelming. Trainees are expected to adapt quickly to new responsibilities, clinical environments and team dynamics, all while preparing for their final assessments and planning for life as a newly qualified pharmacist. For many, this is their first experience of working full-time in a healthcare setting, navigating high workloads and emotionally charged situations.

Without the right support, these pressures can take a significant toll on a trainee’s wellbeing - impacting their confidence, mental health and even their long-term career satisfaction.

Why consistent wellbeing support is essential

Through our conversations with trainees, it’s clear that wellbeing isn’t something that can be addressed in a single workshop or resource. It needs to be woven into the foundation year experience, with access to practical tools, peer stories and trusted guidance which respond to the challenges trainees face at each stage of their journey.

By supporting trainee pharmacists from the very start of their training, we can help them build resilience, healthy wellbeing habits and the confidence to seek help when needed. This not only benefits the individual but contributes to a healthier, more compassionate pharmacy workforce overall.

Our commitment through the Trainee ACTNow campaign

Our annual Trainee ACTNow campaign has evolved to meet the growing and changing needs of trainees, now strategically positioned at the beginning of the foundation year to offer continuous, year-round wellbeing support. By kicking off with tailored wellbeing resources, financial and budgeting support and guidance on workplace relationships, the key focus of the campaign is simple: prioritising wellbeing from day one isn’t a luxury - it’s an essential part of becoming an effective, resilient and fulfilled pharmacist.

Taking place from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th August 2025, our Trainee ACTNow campaign is designed to empower trainee pharmacists at the very start of their foundation training year, helping them navigate challenges and prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. By signing up to our e-newsletter on our website, trainees will receive all ACTNow wellbeing resources and continued support throughout the year.

As the pharmacy profession’s independent charity, we’re proud to support the next generation of pharmacists and hope employers, charity supporters and trainees alike will join us in championing trainee wellbeing throughout the year.