Description

In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, Danielle Hunt and Melissa Cochrane explore the power of giving and the positive difference it can make to wellbeing. Together they discuss what giving really means, why it matters, and how even small acts of kindness, encouragement or support can strengthen connection, purpose and self-worth.

The episode also reflects on the many ways pharmacy professionals already give every day, and why taking time to notice that contribution can support wellbeing. Danielle and Melissa explore how giving connects with Pharmacist Support’s developing wellbeing framework, The Essential Eight: Your Script for Wellbeing, and share simple, realistic ways people can bring more giving into their lives without feeling overwhelmed.

The conversation also marks Volunteers’ Week and celebrates 30 years of Listening Friends, highlighting the role of volunteering, peer support and community in helping our pharmacy family feel heard, valued and connected. If you’re curious about giving, volunteering or the link between contribution and wellbeing, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical encouragement.

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 support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

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

Improve your wellbeing through giving: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/mental-health-and-wellbeing/giving-to-improve-wellbeing/

Volunteers’ Week 2026: https://pharmacistsupport.org/news/volunteers-week-2026/

Volunteering with Pharmacist Support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/volunteer/

30 Years of Listening Friends: https://pharmacistsupport.org/news/thirty-years-of-listening-pharmacist-support-celebrates-a-trusted-lifeline-for-the-pharmacy-community/

External

Volunteers’ Week: https://volunteersweek.org/

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 Alan and Katie Donegan from Rebel Finance School for a thoughtful and practical conversation about the link between financial wellbeing, freedom and giving. Together we explore how feeling more secure and confident with money can create more freedom to give, whether that is time, skills, support, kindness or volunteering.

Alan and Katie share what giving means to them, what motivated them to dedicate so much of their lives to helping others, and how financial freedom has changed what they are able to give. We also discuss the wellbeing benefits of generosity, why giving does not need to be big to be meaningful, and practical advice for anyone who wants to start giving or volunteering in a way that reflects their values.

We also talk about Rebel Finance School 2026, what people can expect from the free course, who it may help, and why Pharmacist Support is pleased to be hosting it on the Wellbeing Learning Platform. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by money, unsure where to begin, or curious about the connection between finances and wellbeing, this episode offers encouragement, insight and practical next steps.

Guest bio

Alan and Katie Donegan are the founders of Rebel Finance School, a free financial education course that helps people take control of their money and build a more secure future. Having reached financial independence themselves, they now use their time, knowledge and energy to help others improve their financial wellbeing and create more freedom in their own lives.

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 including Rebel Finance School 2026: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

External

Rebel Finance School: https://rebelfinanceschool.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 mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, Melissa Cochrane is joined by Malika Hunter for a conversation about neurodivergence in pharmacy, why it matters for wellbeing, and how the charity is supporting pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and pharmacists. Together they explore what we mean by neurodiversity and neurodivergence, the kinds of challenges people may face in study, training and work, and why recognising different needs can help people thrive rather than simply push through.

Guest bio

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.

Malika Hunter is Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at Pharmacist Support. Malika helps deliver a creative and effective marketing, communications, and fundraising strategy that elevates the organisation’s impact.

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of human pharmaceuticals, Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd., enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family. Please visit their website to find out more their core therapy areas and services: https://www.orionpharma.co.uk/

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 additional mental health and wellbeing support page includes details of organisations that provide support for people with specific neurodivergent conditions: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/mental-health-and-wellbeing/additional-mental-health-support/

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 Dr Danielle Adams, a pharmacist and expert in supporting mental health and neurodiversity in organisations, for an honest and practical conversation about what neurodiversity can look like in pharmacy and how we can create workplaces where different minds can thrive.

Danielle helps us unpack common misconceptions, the strengths neurodivergent colleagues can bring, and why traditional workplace expectations can create unnecessary barriers. We also explore practical adjustments, how assessments and diagnoses can impact support, and the different ways neurodivergence is framed from the medical model to the social model.

Whether you’re curious about neurodiversity, reflecting on your own experiences, or thinking about inclusion in your team, this episode is an invitation to explore different perspectives on neurodivergence in pharmacy and beyond.

Guest bio

Dr Danielle Adams is a UK-registered pharmacist with a PhD in Education and Psychology. She brings together clinical work, research, teaching and lived experience to help healthcare teams and businesses take more inclusive, practical approaches to mental health, neurodiversity and intellectual disability. Danielle also publishes in academic journals, reviews research papers, contributes to national guidance, advises organisations, and is a trustee for Mind in Mid Herts.

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of human pharmaceuticals, Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd., enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family. Please visit their website to find out more their core therapy areas and services: https://www.orionpharma.co.uk/

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 additional mental health and wellbeing support page includes details of organisations that provide support for people with specific neurodivergent conditions:

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

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 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: https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/services/consulting/research/mental-health-and-employers-the-case-for-employers-to-invest-in-supporting-working-parents-and-a-mentally-health-workplace.html

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.