Give a Little, Gain a Lot? The Power of Giving with Danielle and Melissa

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 familyPharmacist 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.