Simmy Daniel has been named as winner of the service evaluation poster category at the College of Mental Health Pharmacy (CMHP) Awards 2025. She was presented with her award at the annual International Psychiatric Pharmacy Conference in Liverpool in October 2025.
Her winning project, ‘building the mental health pharmacy workforce pipeline through undergraduate placements’ explored how giving Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) students’ experiential placements in mental health settings can inspire future careers in this vital area.
Over 14 months, a pharmacy workforce of 90 staff supported the initiative, delivering 260 placement days for 52 MPharm students.
Simmy led the placements and was supported by ELFT pharmacy practice supervisors Haaris Akhtar-Xureb, Wasan Jumah, Veena Shivnath, Nathaniel Addo, Annabel Ikwuakolam, Alliah Wachekwa, Syma Chowdhury, Sonia Shergill, Emma Maples and Sarah Carpio.
The evaluation showed that placements enhanced students’ understanding of the mental health pharmacist role, improved communication skills, and supported professional development. These are all essential for preparing a future-ready NHS workforce and promoting parity between mental and physical health.
“Those who know me know I am a passionate advocate for mental health and for creating opportunities that support inclusive, person-centred care,” said Simmy.
“This work grew from that passion - helping students gain confidence, knowledge, and a sense of purpose in mental health pharmacy.”
She added: “A heartfelt thank you to all the students who shared feedback, our university partners, and the incredible ELFT pharmacy practice supervisors who supported the placements.
“This recognition reflects the collective effort of the team in building mental health awareness."
Simmy is also the programme delivery lead for the pharmacy workforce transformation group for the North East London Integrated Care System (ICS), where she continues to champion innovative approaches to pharmacy workforce development across the system and beyond.