Healthwatch Derbyshire has suggested that boosting awareness of Pharmacy First could be done through trusted sources such GP surgeries. It also recommends using targeted promotion where awareness is low; in its own locale, this would especially be for men, young people and those from diverse communities.⁷

Among its suggestions for where or how this could take place are:

• ·       sports clubs, leisure centres, gymnasiums;

• ·       barber shops to help spread the word;

• ·       by building relationships and identify promotion opportunities in schools, colleges and universities;

• ·       engaging with local communities and faith groups;

• ·       offering information in different languages if needed;

• ·       working with local communities and the voluntary sector to raise awareness and encourage usage;

• ·       working with local groups to create Pharmacy First publicity that meets the needs of the local community, including translations if necessary.

One element of feedback was that some people would feel uncomfortable discussing their condition in the pharmacy setting, even though it was one of the seven covered by Pharmacy First, as they perceive the pharmacy as not being a private space.⁷

Healthwatch Derbyshire suggested that an important part of the message around Pharmacy First should therefore be “to increase awareness of the private consultation areas where sensitive conversations and medical discussions can take place without being overheard. This could include clear signage and posters.”