A Dose of Wellbeing: the Pharmacist Support podcast

Description 

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, our Chief Executive Danielle Hunt is joined by Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa Cochrane, to introduce the Essential Eight: Your Script for Wellbeing , the charity’s holistic, practical framework for helping people feel and function well. 

Together they explore eight interconnected areas of wellbeing: connect, be active, be present, keep learning, give, sleep well, eat well and build financial wellbeing. Melissa explains why sleep, nutrition and financial wellbeing have been added to the five established ways to wellbeing, and shares realistic ideas for putting each element into practice. 

Whether you want to strengthen an existing habit or explore a new way to support your wellbeing, tune in to discover the Essential Eight and find small, realistic steps that work for you. 

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 and psychotherapist and a keen interest in simple, evidence-informed practices that can enhance physical and mental health. 

Podcast sponsorship 

This podcast has been sponsored by the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, Boots, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family. Boots is part of the Boots Group, a global leader in pharmacy-led health and wellbeing retail. Please visit their website to find out more about their services: https://www.boots-uk.com/ 

Resources and references 

Pharmacist Support 

The Essential Eight: Your Script for Wellbeing: https://pharmacistsupport.org/mental-health-and-wellbeing-2/mental-health-and-wellbeing-guidance/the-essential-eight-your-script-for-wellbeing/ 

Wellbeing Learning Platform, including the Live the Life You Want to Lead workshop and Wellbeing Activity Tracker: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php 

To find out more about support services, 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/

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 specialist addictions therapist and Pharmacist Support addiction support counsellor Paul Sunderland for an open and thoughtful conversation about men’s mental health. 

We explore some of the experiences and pressures that can affect men’s wellbeing, why asking for help can feel difficult, and how distress may show up in different ways. We discuss the risk of stereotypes, the links between mental health and addiction, and how shame, self-reliance, social comparison, belonging and financial pressures can affect men’s mental health. 

The conversation offers practical guidance on recognising possible signs of addiction, approaching someone you are concerned about and helping people feel safer seeking support. We also consider how workplaces can normalise honest conversations about wellbeing and create regular opportunities for people to talk about how they are feeling. 

Guest bio 

Paul Sunderland is a specialist addictions therapist and Pharmacist Support’s addiction support counsellor. Through this role, he supports pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees affected by addiction, as well as people who are worried about someone close to them. His work gives him valuable insight into the links between mental health, addiction, professional pressure and the challenges people can face when reaching out for support. 

Podcast sponsorship 

No sponsor. 

Resources and references 

Pharmacist Support 

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

Additional mental health and wellbeing support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/additional-mental-health-support/ 

Men and mental health: http://pharmacistsupport.org/news/men-and-mental-health/  

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, to explore how being online can influence our wellbeing. 

Together they consider the benefits and drawbacks of social media, messaging apps, online communities and digital communication at work. They discuss practical ways to protect wellbeing online, including managing notifications and screen time, checking information carefully, setting boundaries around work messages and assuming best intentions when tone is unclear. 

The conversation also looks at wellbeing apps, online therapy and the growing use of AI for support, including the importance of evidence, safeguards and knowing when professional help is needed. For pharmacy professionals, students and trainees, the episode also highlights the need to maintain professional standards online. 

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 and 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 

Our wellbeing campaigns: https://pharmacistsupport.org/get-involved/our-wellbeing-campaigns/ 

External 

MHRA guidance for people using mental health apps and technologies: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-guidance-for-people-using-mental-health-apps-and-technologies 

GPhC demonstrating professionalism online guidance: https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-11/Demonstrating-professionalism-online-January-2024.pdf   

GPhC and PDA using social media platforms professionally article: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/about-us/news-and-updates/regulate/using-social-media-platforms-professionally 

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 Kirstie Pickles for an honest and practical conversation about how workplaces can better understand and support neurodivergent colleagues. Kirstie reflects on her experiences of autism and ADHD, her career journey and what changed after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. 

We explore communication, masking, workplace misunderstandings and the impact these can have on mental health and working relationships. Kirstie also shares examples of helpful reasonable adjustments, explains how managers can work with individuals to identify what they need, and considers how supportive team cultures can help people thrive. 

Whether you are neurodivergent, think you may be, manage a team or want to become a more understanding colleague, this episode offers thoughtful insight and practical ideas for creating more inclusive workplaces. 

Guest bio 

Dr Kirstie Pickles is a vet and equine medicines specialist with decades of professional experience. Drawing on her lived experience of autism and ADHD, she works as a mental health first aid instructor, coach and advocate. Kirstie delivers the Anna Freud National Autism Trainer Programme and leads Unedited Minds, which focuses on mental health and neurodiversity training, advocacy and research. 

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/ 

Disability at work and university, including reasonable adjustments: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/physical-health/disability-at-work-and-university/ 

Support for organisations and employers: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-for-organisations-and-employers/ 

Additional mental health and wellbeing support including neurodivergent support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/additional-mental-health-support/  

External 

National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP): https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/national-autism-trainer-programme/ 

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 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.