Pharmacy Students Urged to ACTNow on Mental Health
Published: 5th March 2026
Pharmacy students across Great Britain are being encouraged to take positive action to protect their mental health and wellbeing as part of Pharmacist Support’s 2026 Student ACTNow campaign, launching on University Mental Health Day. See the press release from Pharmacist Supprt below;
The Student ACTNow wellbeing campaign returns to encourage pharmacy students to take immediate action to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing.
Pharmacist Support is calling on pharmacy students across Great Britain to take positive action for their mental health as part of its 2026 Student ACTNow wellbeing campaign, launching on University Mental Health Day, Thursday 12th March.
With student mental health continuing to be a growing concern, the charity is urging MPharm students to put their wellbeing first and access free, year‑round support designed specifically for their pharmacy journey.
The student mental health and wellbeing crisis
Student Minds, the UK charity for student mental health, reports that one in three university students experiences poor mental wellbeing, with 30% saying their mental health has worsened since starting university. The most common causes of stress include performing well academically, keeping up with study, managing time, managing money and balancing study with paid employment.
Pharmacy students face additional pressures linked to demanding academic programmes, placements and preparing for professional registration. Without the right support, these challenges can significantly impact confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing.
A commitment to supporting the next generation
As the pharmacy profession’s only independent charity, Pharmacist Support recognises its responsibility to provide meaningful and practical support for the next generation of pharmacists.
Alongside its core Support Services, the charity runs its annual Student ACTNow campaign to motivate students to prioritise their mental health and equip them with tools to make wellbeing a daily habit rather than an afterthought.
Taking place on University Mental Health Day, this year’s campaign encourages pharmacy students to sign up to the charity’s free e‑newsletter to access year‑round mental health and wellbeing support. Subscribers receive tailored resources designed to help navigate every stage of a pharmacy career, from preparing for exams and becoming trainee pharmacists, to transitioning into registered pharmacy professionals and independent prescribers.
As an added incentive, every student who signs up by Thursday 12th March will receive an exclusive Mental Health and Wellbeing Virtual Toolbox. The toolbox contains practical guidance and resources aimed at tackling common causes of stress and helping students kick‑start a sustainable wellbeing routine.
What Pharmacist Support says:
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said:
“University can be an exciting and rewarding time, but it can also bring pressure as pharmacy students balance academic demands and financial pressures, often while thinking ahead to their future careers.
Student ACTNow is about encouraging small, positive actions that protect mental health now and build resilience for the future. By staying connected with the charity, students can access practical support and guidance throughout their studies and into their professional lives. No one should feel they have to navigate these challenges alone.”
Campaign sponsors support student wellbeing
Partnership working remains central to the charity’s impact, and the 2026 Student ACTNow campaign is once again supported by Boots and the PDA. Their continued sponsorship enables dedicated investment in the development of high‑quality wellbeing resources that are shared free of charge with students.
Paul Day, Director at the PDA, said:
“The PDA is dedicated to supporting our members' mental, physical and financial wellbeing while they are at university or work. The Pharmacist Support ACTNow initiative helps raise everyone’s awareness of their own wellbeing, and just as importantly that of their colleagues, so that they can take appropriate action.”
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, added:
“I’m proud that again Boots is supporting Pharmacist Support’s Student ACTNow campaign, empowering future pharmacists with the tools to protect their wellbeing strengthens the entire profession. When students thrive, our wider sector will benefit too.”
Pharmacist Support encourages universities, charity supporters and students alike to champion student wellbeing now and throughout the year.
Pharmacy students can sign up to the free e‑newsletter and access the exclusive Mental Health and Wellbeing Virtual Toolbox by visiting:
https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/our-wellbeing-campaigns/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Student ACTNow is an annual wellbeing campaign run by Pharmacist Support to encourage pharmacy students to prioritise their mental health and take positive, practical action.
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The campaign launches on University Mental Health Day, Thursday 12th March 2026.
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Pharmacist Support provides free, year‑round mental health and wellbeing support, including tailored resources, guidance and practical tools.
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Students can sign up to Pharmacist Support’s free e‑newsletter to receive wellbeing resources and campaign updates.
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