The Pharmacists’ Advice and Support Service (PASS) is delighted to welcome a donation from Boots UK to support its work in Northern Ireland.
PASS, which is an independent charity, provides a wide range of free and confidential services for pharmacists, former pharmacist and their dependants, in Northern Ireland. These include, information and signposting to key service providers, face to face telephone and specialist counselling, short term financial assistance, funding for specialist treatment and pre-retirement courses.
Speaking of the donation, the Chair of the Pharmacy Forum NI, Sheelin McKeagney, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Boots has made such a generous donation, which demonstrates their support for PASS and the vital services which the charity provides to colleagues, past and present and their dependants in Northern Ireland. The charity has noted a significant increase in the use of their counselling services this year.
“While PASS, has worked hard to raise awareness of their work, this increase is also reflective of the context within which the profession is operating at present. I have been privileged to see first-hand, the demonstrable difference, which PASS can make, to the lives of those in need. As a charity, it is vital that the range of services on offer can continue but that is only possible with the financial support of donors such as Boots and on behalf of the beneficiaries and trustees of PASS, I extend my gratitude to them.”
Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, said: “These are challenging times both for the pharmacy profession and the population as a whole and Boots is keen to ensure there is support available for all pharmacists to help them manage the stresses faced. The company acknowledges the excellent work carried out by PASS and the vital support they provide for pharmacists and their dependants in Northern Ireland. We’re delighted to be able to help PASS to continue to take their work forward take through our donation.”