The National Pharmacy Association has partnered with Mind in England and Wales, and its sister charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland, SAMH and Inspire Wellbeing – to raise awareness of pharmacy services for people with mental health problems and to raise funds for the vital work of these charities.
The initiative is being launched as part of the NPA’s centenary celebrations, so fundraising activities will use a ‘100’ theme, for example 100 mile (or 100 metre!) walks and 100 question quizzes.
All pharmacists, colleagues, family and friends are being invited to participate – either by supporting the NPA’s own set-piece events, or by organising their own activities. As a pillar of communities across the UK, pharmacies often take part in charitable fundraising and engage with the voluntary sector in a variety of ways. It can have a positive impact on the reputation of a business and also improves staff morale.
NPA Chair, Andrew Lane, said:
“I am personally looking forward to getting stuck into fundraising activities. Community pharmacy is well placed at the heart of local communities to identify and help those in need of support to maintain good mental health. Our message is that community pharmacies are concerned with the wellbeing of the whole person – mind as well as body.”
Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the National Pharmacy Association for choosing to mark its 100th year by raising funds to support people experiencing mental health problems in the UK. During the pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle for the first time in our lives, and Mind’s services have never been more in demand. The funds donated by the NPA will help us be there for as many people who need us as possible and will help Mind to fight for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.”
Sinead O’Dwyer, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at SAMH, said:
“At SAMH, we know how a mental health problem can affect everything. It can have the most profound impact on our relationships, our work, our wellbeing and our quality of life. Our partnership with the National Pharmacy Association will fund crucial mental health support for people across Scotland. On behalf of everyone at SAMH, a huge thank you to the NPA and their members. We are proud to be your partner and know you are all equally as proud to support the mental health cause. We look forward to working together to make a real difference – here’s to a fantastic partnership!”
Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO of Inspire, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the National Pharmacy Association in this their 100th year anniversary. Pharmacies are at the heart of communities across the country and for over 60 years Inspire has been a beacon of hope for those living with mental ill health and addictions in the same communities. We look forward to working with all our community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, raising funds, awareness, spreading a message of positive mental health and wellbeing.“
Information on how to get involved and lots of fundraising ideas will be shared with NPA members shortly.