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.

Description

Step inside A Dose of Wellbeing for an informative, engaging conversation about the different types of support that can make a real difference in pharmacy. In this episode, Melissa Cochrane and Chief Executive Danielle Hunt unpack the often confusing world of counselling, psychotherapy, peer support, coaching and mentoring, offering clear explanations of what each provides and when they can help. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of support might fit your needs, this episode may help you find your way forward.

Guest bio

Danielle Hunt is the Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support. With extensive charity sector experience, she joined the charity in January 2019. Since then, Danielle has led the development and implementation of a new wellbeing focused five-year strategy, working closely with trustees to refocus the charity to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the profession.

Melissa Cochrane oversees the charity’s wellbeing offering and volunteer programmes. She joined Pharmacist Support in 2021 to develop the counselling partnership, our online Wellbeing Learning Platform, and to further develop our wellbeing content. Melissa has an extensive background as a counsellor/psychotherapist and has a keen interest in wellbeing and simple practices that can enhance our physical and mental health.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

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

Additional mental health and wellbeing support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/mental-health-and-wellbeing/additional-mental-health-support/

External

RPS Mentoring: https://www.rpharms.com/development/mentoring

CPPE Coaching Service: https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/coaching

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): https://www.bacp.co.uk/

Association for Coaching: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/

Peter Levine – Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/peter-levine

Bessel van der Kolk – Official website: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com

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 episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Alison Butt and Karen Murden from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) to explore the link between professional support and wellbeing. We discuss how CPPE’s services, including Return to Practice, Return to Register and coaching, can transform careers and confidence. Whether you’re returning after a break or are looking to achieve work related goals, this conversation offers practical information and inspiring stories to help you thrive in pharmacy.

Guest bio

Karen Murden is a pharmacist with over five years’ experience as an Education Supervisor at the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE). In this role, she has supported pharmacy professionals through the Primary Care Education Pathway, the Newly Qualified Pharmacist Pathway and Pharmacy Technician development programmes.

In 2023, Karen joined CPPE’s Return to Practice and Return to Register team and, in April 2024, became the lead for these programmes. She now oversees their delivery, working closely with a team of tutors to ensure the courses remain up to date, relevant and effective for those returning to the profession.

Alison Butt has worked at the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) for nine years, initially as an Education Supervisor and, for the past six years, as Regional Pathways Lead for the North. In this role, she helps develop and deliver the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway, which has supported over 10,500 pharmacy professionals to complete extended primary care programmes.

Before joining CPPE, Alison gained 18 years of experience in medicines management roles in Liverpool and previously worked in hospital pharmacy in London and Australia. Around four years ago, she trained as a coach and now contributes to CPPE’s coaching service, supporting pharmacy professionals to achieve their goals and build confidence.

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: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

External

CPPE website: https://www.cppe.ac.uk/

CPPE Return to Practice and Return to Register courses: https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/return

CPPE Coaching Service: https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/coaching

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 episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, and Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing & Development Manager, to talk about women’s health at work. We explore why this topic matters, the impact of conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, and menopause, and practical ways workplaces can create supportive environments. From flexible working to breaking stigma, this conversation offers insights for employers and employees alike. If you want to learn how to support colleagues and create a culture of openness, this episode is for you!

Guest bio

Danielle Hunt is the Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support. With extensive charity sector experience, she joined the charity in January 2019. Since then, Danielle has led the development and implementation of a new wellbeing focused five-year strategy, working closely with trustees to refocus the charity to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the profession.

Melissa Cochrane oversees the charity’s wellbeing offering and volunteer programmes. She joined Pharmacist Support in 2021 to develop the counselling partnership, our online Wellbeing Learning Platform, and to further develop our wellbeing content. Melissa has an extensive background as a counsellor/psychotherapist and has a keen interest in wellbeing and simple practices that can enhance our physical and mental health.

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by pharmacy publisher, events and awards organisers PharmacyShows.co.uk, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

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: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

External

Wellbeing of Women ‘Just a Period’ survey: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/just-a-period-survey-results/

The State of Period Equity in the UK report: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-State-of-Period-Equity-in-the-UK-Feb-2024.pdf

British Standards Institution guidance BS 30416: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/bs-30416-menstruation-and-menstrual-health-in-the-workplace/

IVF case study on our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-man

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 episode, we’re joined by Anthony Singh, a clinical pharmacist and menopause specialist, to talk about how menopause can affect pharmacists and their families. We explore symptoms, treatment options, lifestyle changes and how partners and workplaces can offer support. Whether you’re going through menopause, supporting someone who is, or just want to learn more, this conversation contains valuable information and insights you won’t want to miss.

Guest bio

Anthony is a BMS-accredited Menopause Specialist and the Head Clinical Pharmacist for the Northwest Leicestershire GP Federation. With a leadership portfolio that spans strategic service development, he pioneered the UK’s first pharmacist-led NHS Menopause Clinic and leads the newly launched Women’s Health Hub in Leicestershire.

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by pharmacy publisher, events and awards organisers PharmacyShows.co.uk, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

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/

External

Women's Health Concern is the patient arm of the British Menopause Society and includes a Menopause Wellness Hub: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/

The Menopause Charity offers information and support for anyone affected by menopause:
https://themenopausecharity.org/

The British Menopause Society provides resources and training for healthcare professionals:
https://thebms.org.uk/

NHS information on menopause: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

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.

For this episode we’re joined by Rowena Simm, Grants Officer at Pharmacist Support, to talk about the charity’s confidential addiction support services. Rowena explains how pharmacists, trainees, students, and their families can access help, what to expect when reaching out, and how support can make a real difference at any stage of someone’s journey. From speaking with our counsellor to exploring options for support and how treatment may be funded, this conversation highlights the impact of compassionate, tailored help and the positive outcomes it can lead to.

Resources

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

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.