At the Heart of Listening
– TAM’s Blog

Giving Seniors a Voice : because being heard matters at any age
With the RPA Project – Giving Voice Back to Seniors, Tel-Aide Montréal creates caring spaces to break isolation, strengthen social ties, and value seniors’ voices in their communities.

Night listening: lending an ear in the heart of the night
When the world goes quiet, worries get louder.
At night, loneliness and heavy thoughts often feel strongest — just when most services are closed. Tel-Aide Montréal is here to listen during those hours, offering comfort, confidentiality, and a caring presence.

Empathy: at the heart of human connection
What exactly is empathy? And more importantly, how does it shape the way we build connections? Behind this often-heard word lies a simple yet powerful attitude that can transform our relationships every day.

Why listening without judgment can be difficult & how to get better at it
We all say, ‘I’m not judging,’ but listening without judgment is harder than it seems. Discover why it’s so challenging, how to practice it, and why it matters in creating a more human, caring space.

Breaking isolation: how to initiate genuine connections
Feeling isolated but unsure how to reconnect? Breaking isolation doesn’t require grand gestures, just small, human steps. From saying hello to a neighbor to asking open, sincere questions, this article explores five simple ways to gently rebuild meaningful connections and remind yourself that you belong.

How to Be a Good Confidant Without Burning Out Emotionally
You’re the person people turn to when they need someone to listen. It’s a gift to be trusted like that. But sometimes, the weight of others’ stories can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. How can you offer genuine support without losing yourself in the process? Discover practical ways to listen with care — while protecting your own emotional well-being.

Chosen Solitude vs. Loneliness: How to Tell the Difference
There’s a kind of silence that soothes you, and another that weighs you down. Being alone doesn’t always mean feeling lonely — but sometimes, the line is thin between a solitude that nurtures… and loneliness that isolates and weakens you. How can you recognize the difference? Chosen Solitude: A Healthy Need You feel the need […]

The keys to an authentic and meaningful conversation
Authentic human connection is a fundamental need. You feel it too — that deep desire to be understood, to be met, to be truly heard. But in everyday life, real conversations are rare. The kind where you can say what truly matters. The kind where you feel safe. It’s an art — but it’s an art you can […]

On the other end of the line: A conversation with a listening ear
Discover the journey of a devoted volunteer on Tel-Aide Montréal’s listening line.
If you met Monique, you’d be struck by her joyful spirit, warm laughter… and quiet wisdom. After 46 years in Africa, she returned to Quebec with a deep belief: listening begins with respect. Today, as a Tel-Aide Montréal volunteer, she offers a gentle, humble presence — convinced that even a single conversation can open the door to a new beginning.

Men need to be heard too
In June, during Men’s Health Month, it’s important to remind ourselves of this simple truth: men need to be heard too. And yet, for many men, opening up remains difficult. From a young age, they’re taught to “stay strong,” “tough it out,” and “deal with it alone.” In many environments, vulnerability is still seen as […]

