Pharmacist Support has introduced a more person-centred way for members of the pharmacy profession to find information, resources and confidential support through its website.
The independent charity has reorganised its online support around the challenges people may be experiencing, rather than expecting visitors to identify a particular service before asking for help.
The changes form part of Pharmacist Support’s five-year strategy and are intended to create a clearer journey from information and self-help resources to personalised or specialist assistance.
Four areas of support
The website’s new Supporting You section brings the charity’s resources and services together under four principal areas:
- Mental health and wellbeing – protecting and supporting mental and physical health
- Financial health – building confidence while providing advice and practical help
- Workplace wellbeing – helping individuals and organisations create healthier working environments
- Studying and training – supporting people throughout their studies, training and early careers
Visitors can begin with the issue they are facing and explore relevant guidance alongside services such as counselling, Listening Friends peer support, addiction support and financial assistance.
The section also includes access to workshops, campaigns, online learning and Pharmacist Support’s A Dose of Wellbeing podcast.
A more person-centred approach
Previously, much of the charity’s information and guidance was presented separately from its services. The revised structure brings these resources together, recognising that people may know they are struggling without knowing what kind of help they need.
Danielle Hunt, chief executive of Pharmacist Support, said the redevelopment had focused on connecting people with appropriate support as easily as possible.
“We know that life’s challenges aren’t always clear-cut and people don’t necessarily arrive at our website knowing what type of support or service they might need,” she said.
“This redevelopment work has been person-centred, focusing on what issues they might be facing and then connecting them with the information, resources and support available.”
The new structure also gives greater prominence to preventative and educational resources, including bite-sized learning, wellbeing workshops, campaigns and the charity’s workplace wellbeing course.
Further digital developments planned
The website changes are the first phase of a wider programme based around Pharmacist Support’s new framework.
Updated marketing materials and a new collection of icons will help people recognise and navigate the four areas of support across the charity’s communications.
Pharmacist Support also plans to introduce new online forms and an eligibility checker. Individual pages will continue to be reviewed and developed following the launch.
Elsewhere on the site, Support Our Work has been renamed Get Involved, providing a new home for volunteering, fundraising, campaigns and events. Research and impact reports have also been made more prominent.
Hunt added: “This is much more than a change to our website navigation. It represents a shift in how we talk about and connect people with our support.
“Our aim is simple: wherever someone starts their journey with Pharmacist Support, we want it to be clear that we are here, that we understand the challenges they may be facing and that there are different ways we can help.”
Pharmacist Support provides free and confidential assistance to pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainees and pharmacy students across Great Britain.
Visit the Pharmacist Support website to explore the new Supporting You section.
