A listening ear can change everything.

Tel-Aide Montréal phylactère avec deux oreilles formant un coeur, qui semble résonner

Our empathetic and confidential support, through active listening is available every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Tel-Aide Montréal offers a free active listening service to anyone who feels the need to talk. Whether you are experiencing moments of loneliness, anxiety, or depression, facing a crisis, dealing with everyday emotional challenges, or have concerns about a loved one, our trained volunteers are here to provide a listening ear without judgment.

Our helpline is accessible to everyone from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., supporting your mental well-being. Don’t hesitate to call us when you need to talk.

Call now: 514-935-1101

Active listening is a form of empathetic listening where one pays attention to the other without judgment, helping them express their emotions and find their own solutions.

The benefits of being truly heard:

Connecting with someone
Feeling heard and supported
Gaining awareness and expressing emotions
Feeling respected and accepted
Developing self-confidence
Becoming aware of personal needs and behaviors
Can reduce stress
Can help clarify thoughts
Can enhance emotional and mental well-being.

Active listening: what to expect?

1. Undivided Attention

Our trained volunteers focus completely on your words and emotions.

2. Non-Judgment

You are welcomed without prejudice, regardless of your experiences.

3. Reflection of Emotions

We help you identify and express your deeper feelings and emotions.

THE ART OF ACTIVE LISTENING

The Principles of Our Listening

During a call, you will be warmly welcomed and actively listened to. Here are some techniques used in active listening:

Paraphrasing – The listener summarizes your statements to ensure they have understood correctly.
Respecting your pace – Silence gives you space, and the listener does not interrupt you. You share at your own pace, without any pressure.
Reflection of Emotions – The listener names the emotion you seem to be experiencing or describing.
Open-Ended Questions – Relevant questions help you explore your situation and emotions in depth.

Testimonials

A weary woman

finds a listening ear

I was a true ball of energy, a superwoman. I was active 24/7, and I was proud of it. At work, I was super productive… I never said no. I was a rubber band stretched to the limit. Then one day, I started to feel unwell, experiencing pain everywhere, unable to concentrate, and having trouble sleeping… My rubber band broke. I experienced burnout. I dared to talk about what I was going through and sought help. – Anonymous

A person experiencing loneliness

is on the path to well-being

I feel alone. I have no family, no partner, no friends. I don’t work. I spend my days alone at home talking to the walls. Every day feels the same. If something happened to me, no one would know. I could leave just like that… and no one would care. Life isn’t really fun when you feel this lonely… I need to do something to get out of this. – Anonymous

A man in mourning

finds help

My wife just passed away. She had breast cancer… I watched her suffer terribly until she finally faded away, just skin and bones. I find it so hard to accept that she’s gone… I feel completely empty, I have no energy for anything, and I don’t want to see anyone. I just want to sleep to try to forget… I know that’s not the solution. I need to seek help. – Anonymous

A person struggling with gambling

finds non-judgmental support

I started gambling at around 21 on bar slot machines. Every paycheck went there. My life revolved around gambling. I thought about it morning, noon, and night. One day, I found myself with nothing, almost on the street. I had lost everything: my job, my girlfriend, my friends, my apartment. Even my family had cut ties. I hit rock bottom. I couldn’t see a way out… So, I talked about it and sought help. – Anonymous

A victim of abuse and violence

finds a refuge where she is truly heard

Who would have thought a son could act like this toward his mother? He is always aggressive with me, constantly insults me, calls me stupid, and says he can’t wait for me to die so he can be rid of me. He takes all my money. I don’t have a dime left for my personal expenses. This can’t go on. He scares me. I need to talk about it… – Anonymous

Why choose Tel-Aide Montréal?

Confidential

Your anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed for total trust.

Available

Our listening line is offered from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m, 7 days a week, to support you.

Free

Our service is accessible to everyone at no cost.

Trained

Each volunteer receives comprehensive training in active listening.

Need to talk?

Call: 514-935-1101

The Impact of Active Listening?

Emotional Relief

Active listening allows you to release bottled-up emotions. It provides a healthy outlet.

Clarification of Thoughts

By speaking, you organize your ideas. This helps you better understand your situation.

Exploration of solutions

The exchange enables you to discover new perspectives. You find your own solutions.

What is active listening and how does it work?

Active listening is a an empathetic communication technique that aims to understand, without judgment or advice, the feelings and concerns of the speaker. At Tel-Aide Montréal, volunteer listeners pay close attention, ask open-ended questions, and respond with empathy, allowing the caller to express themselves freely and to feel heard. This type of listening creates a safe space where the caller can explore their thoughts and emotions.

What are the qualifications of Tel-Aide Montréal volunteers?

The volunteers at Tel-Aide Montréal are carefully selected and receive comprehensive training in active listening and managing various situations. They are trained to listen empathetically and without judgment, and are supervised by experienced staff throughout their volunteering.

Are calls to Tel-Aide Montréal anonymous and confidential?

Yes, all calls to Tel-Aide Montréal are strictly anonymous and confidential. Listeners do not ask for personal information, and the identity of callers is never revealed. This respect for anonymity allows individuals to express themselves freely and safely.

What are the service hours of Tel-Aide Montréal?

Tel-Aide Montréal offers an active listening service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day. Volunteer listeners are available during these hours to provide ongoing support to those in need.

A listening ear can change everything.

Our empathetic and confidential support, through active listening is available every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.