Retired social worker helps strangers on his 'listening tour'

PAUL Jenkinson isn't a therapist. He doesn't write in a notebook, charge by the hour or offer solutions. Instead, he sits in parks, coffee shops and community centres, with a sign that says: "You are not alone. I will listen.

- SYDNEY PAGE

Jenkinson, 70, is a retired social worker from Nova Scotia, and he is on what he calls a "listening tour" across Canada.

"I'm creating a safe space, inviting people in and then listening carefully to what they're saying," Jenkinson said. "It's total, unconditional acceptance. No judging. No shaming."Jenkinson retired in 2017 and was looking for ways to engage with others - and possibly help them.

"I thought I would really like to do something that is positive, that is inviting, that allows me to travel the country ... to use my skills that I have for the benefit of the community," Jenkinson said.

"I have professional knowledge, but I also have lived experience; I have sorrow and grief and tragedy and those kinds of things that are just part of the life journey."

Jenkinson set out on his tour on May 1, and he intends to make it to British Columbia by winter. He is travelling from east to west in his Subaru Forester. "I'm not going anywhere in a hurry," said Jenkinson.

The same is true for his conversations with strangers.

Jenkinson said there is no time limit on how long he will listen; people can stop and chat with him for as long or as little as they like.

"I am available to listen," he said. "But only if you want me to."

He sets up his listening station in public spaces and stays there for several hours a day. Most often, passersby give him a smile or wave when they see the sign, then carry on without approaching. Others, though, will stop to talk.