A Dose of Wellbeing: the Pharmacist Support podcast

Pharmacist Support

A Dose of Wellbeing explores all things related to wellbeing in pharmacy. Topics this podcast will cover are: general wellbeing, inspiring examples of wellbeing in pharmacy, episodes with wellbeing experts on differing topics, and exciting stories related to topics such as: women in the workplace, disability in the workplace, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We have 2 formats for our episodes, one episode is longer and will feature a guest, and the second is an in-house podcast in which we discuss topics related to wellbeing. 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. 

  1. FEB 25

    Talk Support: What Kind of Support Might I Need?

    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.

    29 min
  2. FEB 11

    Connect and Keep Learning: The Link Between Professional Support and Wellbeing with the CPPE

    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.

    39 min
  3. JAN 28

    Let’s Talk About It: Women’s Health at Work

    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- 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.

    32 min
  4. JAN 14

    Talking Menopause: A Conversation with Pharmacist and Menopause Specialist Anthony Singh

    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.

    38 min
  5. 11/19/2025

    Rx for Recovery: Addiction Support for Pharmacists with Our Specialist Counsellor Paul

    In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Paul Sunderland , our specialist addictions counsellor at Pharmacist Support. Paul shares his journey into addiction counselling and offers insight into the unique challenges faced by pharmacists, students, and trainees when it comes to seeking help. We discuss the types of addiction he supports with, what people can expect when they reach out, and the different kinds of support available depending on their circumstances. Paul also talks about the signs of addiction, common causes, and how working in pharmacy might increase vulnerability. Whether you're personally affected or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance and guidance on taking that first step towards help. 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.

    39 min
  6. 10/20/2025

    How Does Connection Impact Wellbeing?

    Show Notes In this episode we explore what science tells us about the role of human connection, and ask why some people feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Can introverts benefit from social connection? What challenges do pharmacists face in staying connected—and how might that affect their mental health and performance? We also look at how technology, peer support, and workplace culture can influence our ability to build meaningful relationships, and ask what practical steps can help those feeling isolated reconnect with others. Resources  Exploring our social circles webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/exploring-our-social-circles/ Improving social skills and connections webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/improving-social-skills/  Staying connected with others webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/staying-connected-with-others/ Building positive workplace relationships webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/work-life/building-positive-workplace-relationships/ The Science Behind Wellbeing workshop: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php   How we can help including counselling and peer support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/ 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. 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.

    26 min
  7. 10/16/2025

    Counter Connections: Addressing Loneliness and Isolation in Pharmacy with Jay Badenhorst

    Show Notes In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Jay Badenhorst from the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to explore the impact of loneliness and isolation in pharmacy. Drawing on his experience supporting pharmacists through employment and regulatory challenges, Jay shares insights into how connection can protect wellbeing and why some roles may be more vulnerable to isolation. We discuss practical ways to build connection in the workplace, the role of peer support, and how personal experiences shape professional empathy. Whether you’re a trainee, locum, or working in a remote setting, this conversation offers valuable guidance on staying connected and supported. Resources  Exploring our social circles webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/exploring-our-social-circles/ Improving social skills and connections webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/improving-social-skills/  Staying connected with others webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/staying-connected-with-others/ The Science Behind Wellbeing workshop: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php  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. 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.

    42 min

About

A Dose of Wellbeing explores all things related to wellbeing in pharmacy. Topics this podcast will cover are: general wellbeing, inspiring examples of wellbeing in pharmacy, episodes with wellbeing experts on differing topics, and exciting stories related to topics such as: women in the workplace, disability in the workplace, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We have 2 formats for our episodes, one episode is longer and will feature a guest, and the second is an in-house podcast in which we discuss topics related to wellbeing. 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.