Pharmacists’ Support Service is Available

While at present survival is the main concern and practical assistance the greatest need, the service is available to all impacted now and in the coming months during the recovery phase. The impact of such a disaster will be long lasting and the need to talk will be ongoing.

The service provides a listening ear over the telephone to pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and students. PSS also receives calls from family, friends, colleagues and pharmacy staff who are concerned about a pharmacist.

The volunteers who take the calls are all pharmacists and are trained in the crisis model of telephone counselling to support their colleagues. Training and support for the volunteers is provided by psychologists.

A 1300 telephone number (1300 244 910) is used to limit the cost to callers (it is the cost of a local call). The volunteers are equipped with a mobile phone when they are on duty to receive the calls.

Callers are able to remain anonymous to enhance confidentiality. The only time confidentiality would be broken is if a caller or another person is at risk of harm.

Available Hours

The Service is available 365 days of the year from 8.00am to 11.00pm. If the phone is not answered within 10 rings please leave the best contact number and your call will be returned as soon as possible. For urgent assistance when not available please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Examples of issues the Service can help me with?

Work-related stress, trauma from a hold-up, professional and personal concerns. In addition to being a listening ear, the volunteer counsellors provide information, support and referrals to appropriate services.

For further information, please click here.

Pharmacists’ Support Service
1300 244 910