Tips for active listening and reducing social isolation

21 January 2026 / Registration Closed

Watch the Recap

Overview

This welcoming, easy-to-follow workshop introduced simple active listening tools that help strengthen relationships and reduce social isolation among seniors across Quebec. Participants learned practical ways to create meaningful conversations, build connections in everyday interactions, and support one another with empathy.

Objectives

  • Increase participants’ understanding of how active listening skills can reduce social isolation and strengthen emotional well-being.
  • Equip seniors with practical communication tools—such as empathy, open-ended questions, and paraphrasing—that support healthier, more meaningful connections in their daily lives.
  • Provide tips for breaking isolation, and finding connection in the smallest of interactions.

Presented by: Marissa Norton, Executive Director, Vent Over Tea

Marissa Norton is the Executive Director at Vent Over Tea. Although her background is in communications, she is a trained active listener, completed CBT training for personal development, and is an advocate for mental health awareness and emotional literacy. Marissa has facilitated multiple active listening workshops with businesses, schools, and other community organizations.