Marvin OnumonuThe Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has launched its Workforce Wellbeing Strategy to support pharmacist wellbeing, focusing on mental health, financial resilience, and overall well-being across the UK.
This strategy includes online and in-person events, mental health courses, leadership training, forums for workplace champions, and financial health courses.
Mark Koziol, chairman of PDA, said: “When it comes to wellbeing, pharmacists deserve to see less talk and more action and this is why, each year the PDA already pays £1 of every single membership fee to the Pharmacist Support charity.
“We have a track record of backing policy commitments with real action and that is why I am very proud to now introduce our Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.
“Providing our members with more than 5,000 episodes of support each year teaches us what happens in stressful workplace situations.”
Koziol added: “By examining best practices worldwide and consulting with health, wellbeing and financial resilience experts we have been able to put together a series of services at no cost to members that will help us create a more compassionate, empowered and supportive workplace environment.
“We know that this will be just another step along the journey, but with your support, we’ll continue to work to build a stronger, healthier pharmacist workforce.”
Danielle Hunt, chief executive at Pharmacist Support, said: “Pharmacist wellbeing must be more than just an aspiration—it needs to be embedded into workplace culture and leadership at every level.
“For real change to happen, wellbeing must be a shared priority. It’s vital that organisations not only recognise its importance but actively work to create environments where pharmacists feel valued, supported, and empowered.
“We therefore welcome the PDA’s Workforce Wellbeing Strategy and their commitment to enhancing support for their members.”
Hunt added: “As their charity partner, we will be working with them to deliver aspects of this strategy, complementing our existing well-being services with additional tools and resources.
“At the same time, the PDA’s wider initiatives will help strengthen the overall wellbeing landscape for pharmacists.”
She said: “As a charity, we can’t do this alone, and it’s encouraging to see another organisation taking such proactive action.
“Our long-standing partnership with the PDA reflects our shared commitment to championing pharmacist wellbeing, and we look forward to continuing to work together to turn these ambitions into meaningful action that benefits pharmacists across the profession.”
Harpreet Chana, founder and CEO of the Mental Wealth Academy, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to run a national programme for pharmacy wellbeing by the PDA.
“As a pan-sector body that sees the impact of poor wellbeing at the coalface, it is absolutely right that they should be leading the charge on helping equip pharmacists and their teams with better self-leadership, self-regulation, and coping skills.”
Chana added: “Having coached individuals within pharmacy for over six years, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that working on these skills can have on not just wellbeing, but mindset and career progression too.
“Having suffered through stress, anxiety, and depression myself, I am so excited to be working with employees on the frontline as well as employers on a practical programme for change in pharmacy wellbeing, that will make a real difference.”
Andy Elkington, chief executive officer of PG Mutual, said: “We at PG Mutual are excited to announce a new initiative to help PDA members improve their financial health.
“We understand that financial stability is crucial for mental health.
“As part of PDA’s Workforce Wellbeing Strategy, we are partnering with PDA to offer guidance and affordable solutions, including discounted income protection.”
Elkington added: “Our goal is to give you the tools and support you need to build financial resilience and improve your overall wellbeing.
“We look forward to announcing more details on these new financial wellbeing resources and helping PDA members take advantage of these opportunities to secure their financial future.”
