National Volunteer Week, which runs from 9th to 15th May, is an ideal time to acknowledge the work of the pharmacists and retired pharmacists who support their colleagues as volunteers with the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS). About 25 pharmacists, trained specifically for this role, work behind the scenes to provide telephone support service to Australian pharmacists, interns and pharmacy students who call to discuss issues causing stress in their lives.
PSS President, John Coppock reports: ““The volunteers are vital to PSS, the service would not exist without them. Their commitment to the service is exceptional, especially as they remain anonymous without public recognition.”
The PSS volunteers not only participate in a roster to take calls but also give up their time to attend training on a regular basis. Not everyone can volunteer but all Australian pharmacists, interns and pharmacy students can all support the work of PSS by making a tax deductible donation. The service is totally reliant on the generosity of the pharmacy profession for financial support. John Coppock reports: “Even though the service is provided by volunteers there are a number of expenses including volunteer training, telephone expenses, insurance, part-time administrative support and other overheads.”
PSS relies on the generosity of the pharmacy profession to fund its work and donations to the service are tax deductible. Visit the PSS website at www.supportforpharmacists.org.au and click on the Donate Now link https://www.givenow.com.au/pharmacistssupportservice to make an on-line donation.
PSS is available to all Australian pharmacists, interns and students every day of the year between 8.00 am and 11.00 pm (EST) on 1300 244 910. PSS provides anonymity to all callers and is as close as your phone when you need to talk.
PSS is an independent incorporated association which receives support from the following organisations which are all represented on the PSS Management Committee:
- Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association
- Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd
- Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
- Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria Ltd
- Professional Pharmacists Australia
- Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
- National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association.