Pharmacy campaign to support mental health

A new campaign has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland, encouraging people to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

Running throughout December and January, the campaign encourages people to ask themselves and others a simple but powerful question: “How are you feeling?”. The campaign encourages people to check in with themselves and others, turning a common greeting into a meaningful opportunity to support mental health.

The campaign is running in over 500 community pharmacies as part of the Living Well service, with pharmacy teams supporting people to look after their mental health. Living Well is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).

Using the Take 5 steps to wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give – the campaign promotes everyday actions that can help people feel more positive and better equipped to manage life’s challenges.

Clodagh Crowe, Health and Social Wellbeing Senior Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and looking after it is not something we should only do when we are feeling down. Research tells us that someone who practises all five steps daily feels higher levels of wellbeing, and they are things that we can incorporate in to our everyday routine which are simple, practical and proven to make a difference.

“In Northern Ireland, a fifth of adults have mental ill-health at any one time and we want everyone to know that support is available. Community pharmacies are trusted spaces where people feel comfortable and this campaign gives them the tools to start meaningful conversations.”

Pharmacies will display posters, leaflets, and staff will start conversations to help the public reflect on their mental health and direct people to further support, including local services, apps, and professional help.

Patrick McCallion, Champion Pharmacist at Bradley’s Pharmacy in Claudy, said:  

“We see people every day who may be struggling quietly with their mental health. This campaign gives us a practical and approachable way to start conversations, share simple tools and offer support in a non-judgemental space. Community pharmacies are another trusted source of advice and support. Whether it’s through a leaflet, a friendly chat, or signposting to services, we want people to know they’re not alone and that help is available in their local community.”

The campaign also encourages pharmacy teams to look after their own mental health, with ideas like mini-workshops, self-care challenges, and wellbeing resources for staff.

Next time you visit your local community pharmacy, look out for the campaign displays and pick up a ‘How are you feeling?’ leaflet for advice on looking after your mental health.

For more information and mental health resources, www.pha.site/living-well or www.mindingyourhead.info

For anyone in a crisis, Lifeline is available 24/7, call 0808 808 8000 or visit www.lifelinehelpline.info/i-need-help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or you require urgent medical attention, please call 999.