Promoting well-being through movement and connection
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The community of Sherbrooke is embracing the summer with a new initiative aimed at enhancing well-being through movement, nature, and social interaction. Vent Over Tea, a Montreal-based free active listening service available in both French and English, has extended its reach to Sherbrooke, offering a unique event series known as “Walk & Talk.” This initiative provides a welcoming space for individuals to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and discuss a wide range of topics, according to their website.
On Sunday, July 28, community members gathered for an evening walk around the scenic Lac des Nations. The event, scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., was guided by Annie Bender and Isabella Brunette, both psychology students at Bishop’s University. Bender, a pre-clinical psychology student, and Brunette are passionate about using their studies to foster positive experiences within the community.
The walks are free events, and participants are encouraged to bring items such as water bottles, bug spray, and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. They take place rain or shine, and a stop sometimes for ice cream along the route adds a delightful touch to the evening, so attendees are encouraged to bring a wallet for any purchases.
Bender explained in a July 29 interview, “Walk & Talk is a recurring event designed to incorporate the benefits of movement, nature, and community to promote well-being.” She emphasized the importance of the consistency of these walks, which occur every Sunday at 7 p.m. and typically last until 8:30 p.m. The location varies weekly (next Sunday it is Beckett Woods) but remains within Sherbrooke to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Bender highlighted the value of these events, stating, “It’s a good way to get people together to chat, and it can be conversations that are really light, casual, just like you’d have with a friend, or they could be deeper conversations.” The inclusive nature of the event is further underscored by the participation of both English and French speakers, catering to the diverse linguistic community of Sherbrooke.
In addition to the Walk & Talk events, Vent Over Tea has hosted various activities in Sherbrooke, all aimed at promoting well-being and community engagement. Recent events include an upcycling workshop where participants could creatively modify clothing through painting and sewing, a guided meditation event in Lennoxville featuring Tibetan singing bowls, and casual gatherings at local venues like the Refuge le Chateau, a cat cafe.
Bender expressed enthusiasm for the growing involvement of the community and hopes to continue these activities throughout the year, potentially involving more Bishop’s University students. She noted the importance of providing free activities for the English-speaking community in Sherbrooke, ensuring that everyone has access to supportive and engaging experiences.
For more information about upcoming events and to RSVP, individuals are encouraged to visit the Vent Over Tea website and the Walk & Talk Sherbrooke Facebook group. These platforms offer updates and foster community engagement, making it easy for newcomers to join the walks and connect with others.