Description

In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, Danielle Hunt is joined by Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa Cochrane, for a special conversation to mark Stress Awareness Month. Together they explore what workplace stress is (and how it differs from burnout), the signs to look out for, and practical ways to reduce and manage stress at work. The episode also looks at what employers and leaders can do to create healthier working environments because managing stress shouldn’t sit with individuals alone.

Guest bio

Danielle Hunt is Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support. With extensive charity sector experience, she joined the charity in January 2019 and has led the development and implementation of a wellbeing-focused strategy to ensure Pharmacist Support continues to meet the changing needs of the profession.

Melissa Cochrane is Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager. She oversees the charity’s wellbeing offering and volunteer programmes, including the counselling partnership and online Wellbeing Learning Platform. Melissa has an extensive background as a counsellor/psychotherapist and a keen interest in simple, evidence-informed practices that can enhance physical and mental health.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about our support services, please visit:

https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

What is stress? https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/mental-health-and-wellbeing/what-is-stress/

Managing stress: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/mental-health-and-wellbeing/managing-stress/

Wellbeing Learning Platform (including our Stress Management and Building Resilience workshop): https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

Wellbeing support for leaders and employers - Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/wellbeing-service/embracing-a-workplace-wellbeing-culture/

Workforce survey highlights strain on pharmacy teams: https://pharmacistsupport.org/news/workforce-survey-highlights-strain-on-pharmacy-teams/

External

Stress Awareness Month: https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/

Deloitte research on mental health and employers:

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Description

In this special episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re marking Stress Awareness Month and celebrating Pharmacist Support’s 185th birthday.

Host Melissa Cochrane is joined by Danielle Hunt and Mark Koziol to explore how partnership can make a real difference to wellbeing across the pharmacy profession.

They reflect on the long-standing relationship between The PDA and Pharmacist Support, the impact of over £342,000 in donations, and the growing challenges facing pharmacy today. You’ll also hear powerful examples of how this support is helping individuals through difficult times and reminding people they’re not alone.

To celebrate this milestone, The PDA is doubling its donation to £2 for every new member who joins between 15 April and 15 May — a simple way to support both organisations and help more people access vital support.

If you’re looking for an honest, supportive conversation about wellbeing in pharmacy, this episode is a great place to start.

Guest bio

Mark Koziol is Chairman of The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) which he established in 2003 in the wake of the Peppermint Water case. Determined to ensure that no pharmacist should ever have to rely upon the legal support of their employer again in the event of a serious incident, Mark has devoted the majority of his professional career ensuring that employee and locum pharmacists have a voice. The PDA defends pharmacists in any work-related incidents and is also dedicated to helping create safer working environments and more professionally fulfilling roles for pharmacists. Today, The PDA is the largest membership organisation for pharmacists in the UK with over 40,000 members. Mark also serves as Council member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Member of the FIP Data and Intelligence Commission, Co-Chair, Pharmacists Without Borders International and architect of the hugely successful ‘Medicines To’ worldwide humanitarian initiative.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Wellbeing Learning Platform: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

Our work with The PDA: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/partner-with-us/pda/

External

Stress Awareness Month: https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Description

In this fascinating episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by pharmacist and MP Taiwo Owatemi to talk about her journey from pharmacy into politics, including what motivated her to make the transition and who inspired her along the way. Taiwo reflects on the skills she has carried from pharmacy into Parliament and how she looks after her wellbeing in a public, often high-pressure role, including managing online hostility. She also shares what a good wellbeing day looks like for her and offers her perspective on the current challenges facing pharmacy and the wellbeing pressures affecting the profession.

Guest bio

Taiwo Owatemi is a pharmacist who became an MP at age 27. At the time of the podcast recording, she is the Labour MP for Coventry North West and holds the Government post of Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about support services including counselling, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Wellbeing Learning Platform including our Live the Life You Want to Lead wellbeing workshop: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.