Loneliness is one of the quiet struggles of modern life. In an increasingly individualistic world, many of the social structures that once helped us feel connected have slowly disappeared. And because meaningful connection is a cornerstone of mental well-being, it’s no surprise that rising isolation is taking a toll—not just on individuals, but on society as a whole.
Vent Over Tea was created in response to the growing impact of loneliness along with a lack of mental health resources to support those who are struggling.
While our work is having an impact, we’ve realized many people still don’t know exactly who we are or what we do. So we’re taking a moment to share our story—because the more people know about us, the more people we can support.
Why Loneliness Matters
Loneliness is an escalating public health crisis with far-reaching effects. It places pressure on our healthcare systems and affects mental well-being across all age groups.
A 2021 report from Statistics Canada found that nearly 1 in 4 young people (ages 15–24) often or always felt lonely. Among that group, 49% reported that their mental health was poor or fair, compared to just 7% among those who rarely or never felt lonely.
For many, mental health support remains out of reach. Whether that’s due to a lack of available services, financial barriers, or the ongoing stigma around mental health, this lack of accessibility continues to impact individuals from all walks of life, placing added strain on the most vulnerable members of society.
While public officials call for policy-level solutions, the wheels of government turn slowly. Fortunately, change doesn’t always need to come from the top down. Community-based initiatives like Vent Over Tea are proving that small, grassroots actions can spur change and make a major big impact.
Vent Over Tea was created in direct response to this crisis—a free and confidential active listening service designed to promote mental wellness, human connection, and community care.
What Is Vent Over Tea?
We’re a Montréal-based non-profit offering safe(r), stigma-free spaces where people can talk openly, feel heard, and build community.
The organization was founded with the goal of creating a world where people feel connected instead of isolated, and where mental health is treated with the same urgency and care as physical health.
Through our free active listening sessions and mental health-focused events, we’re working to make support more accessible and to reduce the stigma around asking for help.
How It All Started
In 2015, after waiting months for an appointment with a campus mental health counsellor and growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of other accessible resources, McGill psychology students Sarah Fennessey and Chloe Chow decided to create a service for those who are struggling and just want to talk to a real person.
The idea of Vent Over Tea is to provide a casual, confidential and non-judgmental outlet for members of the community who simply want someone to open up to outside of their family or social circle.
In its inception, the program was focused on providing a listening ear to fellow students struggling with the pressures of navigating life as a young adult and academia.
Recognizing the growing need for mental health support along with the lack of available resources, the founders set out to expand the program to serve the community at large.
This started with the development of a unique training program that teaches volunteers how to actively listen and guide the conversation in a meaningful and empathetic way. Our program is based on studies that have shown the benefits of opening up to a compassionate listener.
The Heart of the Service: Vent Sessions
At the core of Vent Over Tea’s work are Vent Sessions, which consist of casual, judgment-free conversations held in-person at local cafés or remotely via phone or video. These sessions offer people a chance to speak openly to someone outside their social circle who can listen without judgment.
While not a substitute for therapy, we aim to provide people with a safe space to express themselves, feel seen, and feel heard.
Vent Over Tea also hosts free, community-building events focused on connection and joy. From fitness classes to craft nights to mental health workshops, these gatherings remind us that healing happens not just in conversation, but in shared experiences.
What Is Active Listening?
Active listening is about being fully present. Listeners are trained to ask reflective questions, offer empathetic responses, and guide the conversation with care and curiosity.
Active listeners are not mental health professionals and don’t offer advice or judgment; instead, they listen attentively to individuals and empathize with their struggles.
Many of our volunteer listeners come from a psychology background and are well-versed on the multitude of issues that can act as barriers to living your best life. Each Vent Over Tea listener goes through a rigorous screening and training process.
Who Uses Our Services?
We pride ourselves on providing services for all. There are no requirements to use the service; whether you’re having a bad day, dealing with social anxiety, work stress, social isolation, or relationship issues, everyone is welcome to book a session. The service is available for anyone over 14.
Our mission is to be there for others as they navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life. No issue is too big or too small. Being a human is hard, and we encourage everyone who thinks they can benefit from the service to use it.
The Mission That Guides Us
Vent Over Tea exists to:
- Foster connection and reduce isolation
- Relieve pressure on an overburdened healthcare system
- Break the stigma around mental health
- Empower individuals to seek and offer support
- Build a community that cares
Building Bridges Between Communities
As the organization has grown, so has our impact. Vent Over Tea now receives referrals from counselors, CLSCs, social workers, and other health professionals, bridging the gap between the healthcare system and the community support sector.
Yet there’s more work to be done. As one team member put it:
“The community sector has so much to offer when it comes to mental health, and the health sector isn’t always aware of it. We need to find more ways to connect these two worlds and take advantage of our collective strengths.”
The Real World Impact of Active Listening
Just talking things through with someone who listens can be incredibly powerful. It can lower stress, ease emotional and physical tension, and give our overall well-being a much-needed boost.
We’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference that kind of connection can make. It’s the stories we hear from our community that remind us how that being heard can have a lasting impact.
One man stopped by our table at a community fair just to say, “I just wanted to thank you. Your service helped me through a hard time.”
Another person, living in a different time zone, reached out to book a session for their mother in Montreal. After the session, they emailed again to share how much it meant to her—“She was thrilled to have someone to talk to. Someone who just listened.”
These may seem like small moments, but they highlight just how powerful active listening can be. Feeling truly heard—even for a short time—can provide a sense of relief, validation, and connection. It’s a reminder that simply being present and listening with empathy can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Vent Over Tea
Our team has big dreams:
- Expanding our listener network across Canada to offer remote support nationwide
- Bringing active listening workshops to more workplaces and organizations
- Increasing emotional literacy in all corners of society—so that empathy becomes the norm, not the exception
We’re committed to providing a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. If you or someone you know is in need of a listening ear, we encourage you to reach out.
Book a free vent session with our trained active listeners. Whether you’re experiencing challenges or simply need someone to talk to, our team is here to listen, understand, and support you.
